Everton defender Lucas Digne has said he misses playing in the Champions League, speaking to Goal while on international duty with France.
The 27-year-old, signed from Barcelona for £18 million (BBC) in 2018, is undoubtedly one of the best full-backs in the Premier League. Back in the France national team, he’s aiming for big things – at club and international level.
The former Paris Saint-Germain star spoke about Everton’s ambition to play in Europe’s elite club competition. And he admitted he misses playing in the Champions League – a competition he was a regular in with his two former clubs.
Digne said: “Everton have ambitions to play in the Champions League, and so do I, because I miss it.
“I was used to playing for clubs who were always in the Champions League. But competition for the four Champions League spots in the Premier League is very hard. However, there’s no doubt we aim for Europe.”
The Toffees started the season in tremendous fashion, winning their first six games in all competitions.
However, after losing three games in a row in the Premier League, their top-four hopes have been hit by a harsh reality check.
Could a big club lure Digne away?
A Europa League finish is more than possible with James Rodriguez pulling the strings and Carlo Ancelotti calling the shots. But would that be enough to keep Digne satisfied at the club?
If the club misses out on a Champions League spot, would the lure of Europe’s biggest competition help rivals lure Digne away from Goodison Park?
It’s a serious possibility next summer and it is one that should worry Ancelotti, director of football Marcel Brands and the rest of the hierarchy at Everton.
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