Joey Barton does not believe that Everton boss Ronald Koeman should select Cuco Martina above academy graduate Jonjoe Kenny.
The Toffees are in need of a short term solution to cover at right back as Seamus Coleman is still out of action following the injury which he suffered while on international duty against Wales last season.
Koeman signed Martina on a free transfer from Southampton this summer to bolster his options and handed the player a start during the Toffees 3-0 defeat against Tottenham this weekend.
However, Martina was less than impressive on the day and Barton was disappointed that Koeman opted to select him above the clubs young starlets such as Kenny and Callum Connolly.
While speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast on TalkSport, former Newcastle star Barton said, “I see Martina who they took on a free from Southampton. They’ve got the young boy Jonjoe Kenny and another kid Callum Connolly, both right-backs who’ve done really well in the England youth sides,”
“Instead of putting a second-rate defender, which he is – Southampton gave him a free transfer – give your kids a chance. Everton have got a great academy, give the kids a chance because they’ve proven and they will prove in time that they’re more than competent.”
