Photo by Jorge Horsted/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Jorge Horsted/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Vitalii Mykolenko has emerged as one of Everton’s most important players this season, but there is slight concern over him at the moment.
Earlier this week, Mykolenko missed Ukraine’s game against Georgia, with their manager Andrea Maldera stating he had an issue that they didn’t want to risk. Details on the specifics of the injury are thin on the ground at the moment.
Today, Maldera has given another update on Vitalii Mykolenko. He says ahead of their game with Northern Ireland: “We still cannot count on Mykolenko, unfortunately. He is not feeling very well, we respect him and do not want him to get injured more seriously.”
The hope is that this ultimately won’t be too serious and that he will return to Everton ready to be available for the game against Hull City.
But amid the uncertainty, it is worth assessing the alternatives to play left-back for Everton – and Ainsley Maitland-Niles is the man for the job.
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Ainsley Maitland-Niles should replace Vitalii Mykolenko for Everton in the event of injury
Mykolenko’s importance to Everton increased considerably after he was left as the only natural left-back in the squad. Adam Aznou was loaned out to Spanish club Malaga, and no new signing was made.
There are a few non-natural options available to Moyes and arguably Ainsley Maitland-Niles would be the best choice.
He has made a great start to life at the club, scoring that stunning equaliser against Manchester United just days after joining the club from Lyon.
What has been apparent with Maitland-Niles is how unfazed he has been while playing. His calmness and composure have been welcome traits, and he’s also been good in possession.
He may well have started off as a midfielder and transitioned to right-back. But Maitland-Niles does have previous experience of playing left wing-back for Arsenal. Transfermarkt data indicates he’s had 26 outings as a left-back in his career to date. He has also played ‘left midfield’ which includes the role of wing-back 21 times. Most of these appearances came as an Arsenal player.
If Mykolenko has to miss games, amid the current concerns about his injury, then Maitland-Niles ought to be the first port of call.
We have seen a few different players cover for him since David Moyes returned to the club for a second spell. James Garner has filled in there, and we also saw Jarrad Branthwaite operate at left-back last season.
They could both do jobs again. But Moyes ideally doesn’t want to be losing Branthwaite’s presence in the middle. We have all seen how well he’s started the season, and James Tarkowski’s level has risen considerably playing alongside him.
Everton would also lose Garner’s industry and creativity in the middle if he was asked to cover Mykolenko.
With Maitland-Niles moving over, Moyes could use Merlin Rohl in at right-back. Granted, it would not be ideal. But the German has shown he can be an excellent outlet, and has brilliant running power. He of course had games there in pre-season. Jake O’Brien is another option, whether fans like it or not.
So while it would be so far from ideal if Mykolenko had to miss games through injury, Maitland-Niles would represent the most sensible alternative.