Toffees boss warns Kone he’ll have to fight for his place.
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Everton manager Roberto Martinez has warned striker Arouna Kone that he will cannot guarantee him a regular starting spot every week and that he will have to fight for his place, the Mirror reports.
Martinez brought the Ivorian international with him from relegated Wigan Athletic in a £6 million deal earlier this summer but despite being a huge fan of the player has insisted that he will have to fight with Nikica Jelavic and Victor Anichebe for a starting spot at Goodison Park.
Everton kick off their campaign against Norwich City this weekend, but Martinez is still thinking through his strongest starting XI, but shrugged off suggestions that he will entrust the forward line with Kone with no questions asked.
“When I bring a player into the squad, it is to fight for the position,” said the Everton manager.
“I want to see them competing for places and I want football to make the decision. I don’t want it to be a case of, ‘I’m bringing a player in, so he is the one that is going to start’. Football will decide.
“We are strong in that department and that position is still open for Saturday.
“Jela can score a goal out of nothing and the sharpness in his movement in the box is something that you want the young players to watch and learn from.
“Arouna is more of a powerful player who has a real ability to bring players into play and is someone who combines really well his movement, his touch and his power.
“We saw Victor playing against Juventus and he was really important in that game. All three are going to be vital.”