While Everton have signed a number of big names this summer, with the likes of Allan, Abdoulaye Doucouré and James Rodríguez joining Carlo Ancelotti’s ranks at Goodison Park, there was one arrival few expected to have an impact.
His name is Niels Nkounkou, who was picked up by the Toffees for around £250k from Marseille’s reserves, and while he has started just one game in the Premier League, it’s in the EFL Cup where he’s really made a name for himself.
The 20-year-old has started all three games in the competition, which Everton have won rather comfortably, including a 4-1 drubbing of West Ham back in late September.
He also picked up an assist in the 5-2 win over Fleetwood Town, with many fans appreciating what the youngster had to offer.
The recent injury to Lucas Digne could also force him into some more Premier League action in weeks to come, which should go down well on Merseyside, but it’s certainly not being appreciated in the south of France.
Among those who aren’t pleased the youngster was allowed to leave was Djiha from the Marseille based rap group Guirri Mafia, telling Onze Mondial as much this month.
He said, when asked about Isaac Lihadji being allowed to go to Lille: “We were gutted. He was a crazy talent. It’s a shame. He made his choice. We see it every year. It’s the same at PSG. Youngsters leave the club and go elsewhere. For Isaac, it would have been complicated at Marseille.
“The manager would have made him wait. If everyone leaves, it’s for game time. It’s important for a youngster to express himself, but on that occasion, I don’t know what Marseille were doing. The same goes for Niels Nkounkou who left for Everton. We should have kept that youngster”.
