Carlo Ancelotti believes Alex Iwobi can be a goal threat when playing on the left hand side of Everton's front three.
The 24-year-old is favourite to replace the suspended Richarlison in the Blues' starting line-up for Sunday's game with Southampton.
Ancelotti says Anthony Gordon and Bernard are also candidates to step in for the Brazilian but Iwobi looks the more likely to start at St Mary's Stadium.
Iwobi has endured mixed fortunes since joining Everton from Arsenal for £28m on deadline day last summer, with injury and inconsistent form leaving many Blues yet to be convinced on the forward's ability to make a lasting impact at Goodison.
But Ancelotti rates the Nigeria international and ahead of his expected first league start of the season, says he is most effective on the left wing.
“He has quality, he is a strong player physically, he has ability in front," Ancelotti said, when asked why he likes Iwobi.
"He did well when he played against Brighton, he gave an assist to James to score. He didn't play a lot, but he played in the cup, he scored goals. I have total confidence with him. We also have to consider we have Gordon and we have Bernard in that position who can replace Richarlison, with different quality but I have confidence in all of them.”
Who should replace Richarlison in the starting lineup vs Southampton? Let us know in the comments
Asked about his best position, the Everton manager replied: “I think he can play left or right winger without any problem. I think that if he plays left then he has more possibility to score.”
Gordon, meanwhile, is hoping for a recall to the league matchday squad having only been on the bench once so far this season.
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Ancelotti says the 19-year-old, who hasn't played since his impressive cameo against Fleetwood in the Carabao Cup, is working hard but is facing a lot of competition for a place in the 18.
“The only reason is, as I said to him, there is a lot of competition in the squad at this moment," Ancelotti explained.
"The squad is really competitive and this is a good sign and this is the reason he didn't play in this part of the season but I always take into consideration that he is doing well, he is improving and so that is what I expect from a young player.”
He added: “To develop a player he needs to play but I am not here to develop players. I am here to try to keep this club at the top so sometimes I need Anthony Gordon because I consider Anthony Gordon a player of Everton Football Club, not a player who has to develop.
"He is a player of Everton Football Club. At this moment there are players who are a big part of this squad.”
