The left-back spot at Everton is one position where boss Frank Lampard will be hoping to sort out in the summer, after the departure of Lucas Digne in January and Vitaliy Mykolenko’s difficult start to life on Merseyside.
Jonjoe Kenny has been filling in over the last few weeks in the position, but some lacklustre performances have led to questions over whether or not the English manager already has a key problem on his hands.
One man that could potentially fix that issue in the new season is 21-year-old Niels Nkounkou, who is currently getting regular game time on-loan at Belgian Pro League outfit Standard Liege.
However, but for another massive transfer clanger dropped by former Director of Football Marcel Brands back in 2019, the Toffees would likely not even be in the midst of a left-back crisis.
Milton Keynes-born USA international Antonee Robinson was signed by Wigan for £2m, a fee which on reflection, was not worth it for Everton given that his market valuation has soared by a mighty 305% after going on to sign for then-Premier League side Fulham at the start of last season.
The likes of West Ham have been credited with an interest in the 24-year-old in recent weeks, after scoring two goals and setting up four in 27 Championship appearances this season.
Earlier in the year, he was his national team’s hero after netting the only goal in USA’s World Cup qualifier against El Salvador, and at club level, he has consistently demonstrated his ability on a weekly basis – earning more admirers with every passing game.
Hull manager Grant McCann said of the left-back after their game with Fulham earlier on in the season: “Robinson’s a hell of a player.”
Cottagers manager Marco Silva has also been delighted with Robinson’s development, saying: “It’s pleasing to see him growing and performing better step by step.”
With 8.29 progressive carries per 90, as well as an average 0f 2.15 dribbles completed, the former Everton man has demonstrated that he is one of the top attacking full-backs in the country time and time again this season, and much to Everton’s frustration, is now a Premier League quality player.
It’s safe to say Brands dropped a big clanger on the £16k-per-week earner.
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