Everton fans have taken to Twitter to react after Lucas Digne revealed that Rafa Benitez has told him to stop going forward as much as usual.
What’s the story?
Well, this is bizarre from Benitez. Digne is among the best attacking full-backs in the Premier League, so this seems an odd instruction.
As quoted by Everton’s Twitter account, the Frenchman said: “The manager asked me to be more of a defender this season, to stay back a bit more and keep a better balance for the team. Then, sometimes, I can drive forwards, but only when it is right for the team.”
Understandably, the Everton supporters are not happy about this.
The £18m left-back was among the best attacking full-backs in Europe in his first few campaigns at Goodison Park.
In 2018/19, Digne impressively scored four goals and also provided four assists from left-back.
Then, in 2019/20, the 28-year-old shone again with seven assists to his name.
In that respect, it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever to tell Digne to stay back and defend, rather than create chances going forward.
Does Lucas Digne have a future at Everton?
If Benitez stays at Everton for the long haul, then it’s worth asking if Digne has a future with the Toffees.
The ex-Barcelona man has been poor this season under the Spaniard, failing to register a single goal involvement in ten Premier League games.
He’s still among the best in his position, and if Everton decided to sell, they could surely make a decent profit on the £18m fee.
Should he continue to be nullified by his own manager, then that’s something Marcel Brands should definitely be thinking about.
For now, let’s see what the Everton fans on Twitter have been saying about Digne’s comments…
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