As loan deals go, it’s no exaggeration to say Niels Nknoukou’s move to Saint Etienne from Everton in January was a superb choice for all concerned.
The defender joined the French side in January after a disappointing spell at Cardiff was brought to a premature end and, after a rocky start, has become something of a star for the club.
We’ve covered several reports in the last few weeks of how he’s been starring for his new club in various ways and Le Progres continue that today.
They explain that Nkounkou was again at his best in yesterday’s 2-0 win over Grenoble, bagging the first goal of the game with ‘another gem’ of a strike.
That took his side to ten unbeaten in a row and should, bar a surprising turnaround, ensure they are not relegated from Ligue 2 this season.
That strike was his fifth of the season since his arrival from Everton on loan, with this strong run of form suggesting he is ‘currently touched by grace’ of some sort.
His outstanding displays have now ‘almost become normal’, with the loan move providing him with the playing time and confidence he needs to develop and show the talent that had Carlo Ancelotti taking him to Everton in the first place.
The hope is that he can continue to perform as he has done and help Saint Etienne rise further up the table ahead of what should be a busy summer.
The French side have an option to make his deal a permanent one, something that looks very likely to be taken up sooner rather than later given how he’s performed so far.
