Both centre-backs joined Everton on transfer deadline day.
Michael Ball has suggested that Everton could bring in both Yerry Mina and Kurt Zouma for their game against Southampton on Saturday, following the suspension of captain Phil Jagielka.
Jagielka will miss the Toffees’ next 3 games after receiving a controversial straight red card in the Premier League opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
In the Englishman’s absence, Everton boss Marco Silva has a decision to make at centre-back.
Michael Keane started alongside Jagielka in the Premier League opener and Silva also has 21-year-old Mason Holgate and summer signings Mina and Zouma to choose from.
The two young defenders both arrived on transfer deadline day, Mina in a permanent move from Barcelona and Zouma on a loan deal from Chelsea, and writing for the Liverpool Echo, Ball said if they’re ready to play he would like to see both included.
“Looking from the outside, for the game against Southampton you would like to see both Yerry Mina and Kurt Zouma coming into the squad,” said Ball.
“Only Marco will know how fit they are and how good their pre-season has been though, he needs to assess their levels.”
“When the time is right and when Marco feels they are fit enough it’s up to him to bring them in.”
“Jagielka will now be suspended so it’s a big opportunity for someone to step in and prove themselves.”
There may be some concerns about starting the two 23-year-olds in a partnership due to their youth, but should Silva get the duo playing well together the Toffees could have one of the most impressive central defensive pairings in the league.
Whether the Everton manager decides to blood his new signings against the Saints on the weekend or not, Everton fans should be excited at the prospect of a Zouma/Mina partnership.
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