Moise Kean needs to play to improve

Everton and Italy striker Moise Kean is regarded by many as one of the best young players in the world game. Yet, at the minute he is struggling to have an impact for the Toffees. The 19-year-old joined Everton from Juventus in the summer, in a move that surprised the world considering his high reputation.

So far, the youngster has struggled to hit form for Marco Silva’s side. The fact that the team have been poor this season has not helped his chance of playing time for the Toffees.

Not played much for the Toffees

Kean moved to Everton in search of first-team football. His chances of regular action seemed brighter on Merseyside. However, Everton boss Marco Silva has restricted his playing time, as he has not been able to take a chance on playing a raw youngster.

Silva started Kean in a wide position against Watford on Tuesday night in a 2-0 fourth round Carabao Cup tie. His appearance in the unfamiliar position last just 45 minutes, as he was hooked at half-time, replaced by Theo Walcott.

The youngster did not have a terrible first-half, no worse than any other Everton player anyway. It was also clear though that the experiment was not working out. Silva could have taken off the main striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and moved Kean to his more natural position. Instead, he just made a like for like swap with Walcott playing in his natural position.

Everton cannot afford to play Kean at the minute

At the minute, Everton boss Silva is under severe pressure and reports suggest that he could lose his job if the next few games go against him. With that in mind, the Portuguese boss is likely to make more cautious selections.

Kean no doubt has talent, but he is still very raw and new to England and the Premier League. Whereas current first-choice striker Calvert-Lewin is young but has at least some experience of playing the English top-flight. The 22-year-old is not the most prolific, but Silva favours the youngster over Kean, Cenk Tosun and playing Richarlison upfront.

In many ways, Silva and Kean are in a catch-22. The Everton boss will want to give Kean minutes, but he will know that he is not quite ready to lead the line on his own. The youngster cannot get ready to lead the line, as he is not playing, which does not help his development.

The former Juventus forward will learn very little from making short appearances or sitting on the Everton bench. He needs to play to gain valuable experience.

Silva needs results in the next two games

The win against Watford bought Silva some time. However, the next two games against Tottenham and Southampton will be vital in deciding the Portuguese boss’ future.

Silva is currently the second favourite to be the next top-flight boss to lose his job at odds of 3/1. The only boss who is shorter odds to lose his job in the top-flight is Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, who recently suffered a record home 9-0 defeat against Leicester.

Both bosses are under pressure, but there are arguably higher expectations at Everton than at the south coast club. Silva has to start developing results and his main priority at the minute is not blooding young players with potential.

Kean could be a big asset to Everton if employed at the right time and in the right way. However, it seems it is not the right time to play Kean. If the youngster’s lack of first-team football on Merseyside continues, then he may be looking for a move elsewhere at the end of the campaign.

Will Moise Kean get the opportunities to fulfil his potential at Everton?