Jonjoe Kenny has been a positive in an otherwise disappointing season at Parkhead, after settling in seamlessly at right-back once signing on loan from Everton in January.
Acquired to replace Jeremie Frimpong for the rest of the season, the 24-year-old has given the Celts some much-needed stability at the back. He has also supplied a useful attacking outlet when venturing forward for Celtic.
Kenny spent time on loan at Bundesliga outfit Schalke 04 in 2019-20, registering two goals and three assists from 34 league fixtures [Transfermarkt]. Although impressing in Germany, he eventually returned to Carlo Ancelotti’s Toffees. The Italian sanctioned his recent move to Glasgow following just four Premier League appearances this campaign [Transfermarkt].
What characteristics could Jonjoe Kenny bring to Celtic permanently?
Impressively, Kenny has helped Celtic to five clean sheets from his overall eight appearances for the Scottish Cup holders [Transfermarkt]. He is excellent in the challenge and cool in dangerous situations. He possesses a diverse range of qualities that could serve Celtic well long-term. Calm in possession, his utilisation of the ball also goes under the radar.
He rarely gives the ball away, as is illustrated by his high pass success rate for a full-back of 84.4%. This has helped the Hoops to speed up their build up play considerably since his arrival.
A different type of full-back, Kenny is more switched on than Jeremie Frimpong from a defensive sense. In terms of European football, this is where Celtic could benefit most from his measured approach. The Hoops have lacked pragmatism in recent continental campaigns, leaving them susceptible to opposition counter-attacks.
The Dutchman was a brilliant asset going forward for Celtic, though he lacked defensive nous due to his inexperience. On the other hand, Kenny has shown a balance between the two functions, which could lead him to be a key building block within a cohesive defensive unit looking ahead.
Only competing with Anthony Ralston positionally, the Celts need to prioritise a right sided defender this coming window. Coming into the last 12 months of his contract at Goodison Park [Transfermarkt], there is definitely scope for a Hoops swoop for the former England-Under 21 cap.
READ MORE: Another Celtic target sees future elsewhere.
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