Carlo Ancelotti admits he is ‘surprised’ by Niels Nkonkou’s start to life at Everton.
Nkonkou caught the eye in only his second appearance for the Blues as they ran out 5-2 winners at Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup’s third round.
The left-back set up the visitors’ final goal of the night on Wednesday with a clever back-heel that allowed Moise Kean to round off the comfortable victory.
Everton originally drafted in Nkonkou from Marseille during the summer with a view to him initially turning out for the club’s under-23 season.
But Ancelotti revealed that the 19-year-old’s performance against Fleetwood, just a week after excelling against Salford City, took him slightly aback.
“He had a good performance, he continued the performance he had against Salford,” said the Everton manager.
“He’s showing good quality in front, he has to improve defensively, but in front he has a lot of quality.
“He played with a lot of confidence, he has courage, he has character.
“I’m really pleased for him and also surprised.”
Goals from Kean, Bernard, Alex Iwobi and a brace by Richarlison helped set up a fourth round home tie against West Ham United on September 30.