Jonjoe Kenny featured against Leeds United last week and has impressed Frank Lampard with his performance. Everton defeated Leeds 3-0 as this was Everton’s second win under Frank Lampard as manager. Lampard has certainly improved Everton’s gameplay and are finally looking like a team that can win matches on the run.
Lampard has won two of the first three matches at Everton and two of them came at home. Everton’s recruitment in January also looks promising. These signings will certainly help them to rescue their season and also in the long-term. Moreover, Everton sold Lucas Digne who was a prominent player at the club.
The left-back role was left vacant after Digne’s departure. Many questioned how Everton can replace Digne. However, Jonjoe Kenny has come to the rescue for Everton. He played as the left-back against Leeds and kept a clean sheet. He did well to keep Raphina quiet throughout the game and win the game of the Toffees.
Frank Lampard was full of praise for the 24-year-old defender. He hailed his attitude in training and also his in-game understanding of the game. This is what Everton manager Frank Lampard had this to say to Everton official channels about the player,
“Jonjoe is another one in the two weeks (Lampard has been there) who comes with the attitude in training. I love that. He comes in every day, he loves Everton. Wants to give everything, any drill, any session we do in training, and he’s a quality player.”
“Both feet technically very good for a defender. Positionally will give you everything, was great in keeping his discipline then jumping out to win tackles. I felt that with Jonjoe. He’s perfect for any game but for a game like today, he was perfect. Really pleased with him.”
Why Frank Lampard was full of praise for Jonjoe Kenny?
Jonjoe Kenny has had a tough stint at the Celtics and Lampard knows that it is difficult for a player to come back in form. Very few players have that mentality of regaining their position back in the squad. Kenny was on loan at Schalke and also spent some time with the Scottish side Celtics.
However, Everton had to keep Kenny who was initially a right-back to fill in for the left-back position. As Kenny mentioned, he has made some changes to his gameplay and played on the opposite side of the pitch. Although it was an unfamiliar position, he did not disappoint and was up to the massive task of marking Raphina.
Jonjoe Kenny has appeared just five times for Everton this season. However, after his fine display against Leeds United, he is likely to become a regular player for Everton in the future. Lampard can develop his gameplay and make him as skilled and experienced as Lucas Digne. Kenny can later challenge Digne and become a better player with the mentality he has.
Lampard and his staff should certainly be praised for the upliftment they have done at Everton. Jonjoe Kenny will be grateful to Lampard for bringing out the best in him in such a short period of time. However, he still has some areas to work on as he still can improve going forward. If he continues to work hard like this he can also improve his weaknesses and become one of the best left-backs in the Premier League.
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