Digne commits to new long-term deal

A few more like him around the squad and anything is possible.

I must agree with Darren – he is better attacking than defending, but quality in the top 3rd. Wingback with Godfrey behind him as a left centre-back.

I thought Man City may have come in for him.

Best left-back in the league for me.< Struggling with a couple of injuries lately, a sign of his commitment that he is prepared to play while not 100% fit.

Ancelotti won't play with three centre-halves in the long-term, Ian.

A committed back-four man.

Digne, Godfrey, Holgate, Davies, Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison, Branthwaite, Small, Gordon – all young and developing.

Are things really, I mean REALLY, changing? Dare we hope?

We are getting to a stage now that we are becoming a very strong team. Strengthening in the summer can be much more focused on just one or maybe two real top quality players.

Great that he wanted to recover speedily and get back into the side as soon as possible but I am not totally convinced that such a quick return was for the very best, all considered. If he finishes the season well, though, I would not be surprised if Man City went for him this coming June or next.

We are on the march!

Going forward, he's one of the best around, like his predecessor.

Either way, I'm delighted with this. I know it's hard, particularly on the younger generation and because of the countless false dawns, but it really feels like something is happening at Everton right now.

We don't use him enough from direct free-kicks either. He should have first pop anywhere up to 35 yards out, but Richarlison and Sigurdsson seem to get more chance of having a go, often ending in disappointment.

This has worked well in away games when teams have to come at us, or against the better teams at Goodison. But it exposes our weakness against the “poorer” teams against whom we have struggled at home.

I suspect that is going to be the conundrum to be solved over the summer, who can we bring in that will give us additional creativity in midfield and attack without weakening the defence? Despite the frustrations many of us have around Richarlison, it also stresses the importance of his work rate.

Am I the only one who has noticed that inch-for-inch he's the best fullback in the Prem in the air? I mean the guy is 5'-10" and he never seems to lose an aerial duel. There's actually a Premier League stat that tracks this, and it says that in Digne's time at Everton he's won more than two-thirds of his contested headers:

Aerial battles won: 242
Aerial battles lost: 118

That's astonishing. By contrast, Coleman (also 5'-10") wins about 40% of his aerial contests. Bainesy was about the same.

As they'd say in the NBA, Digne has serious hops.

I agree. This is a welcome change.

I like defender's firstly to be good defenders, hard to beat or get past. Godfrey has been outstanding in this respect. But he's not an attacking full back.

Digne has stepped into Baines role very well and they have very similar attributes. Both defensively week but have great delivery on crosses from open play.

To consistently challenge for top honours at home and in Europe we will need better but there are others area's of greater concern.

A Traore, who has pace and muscle to bully his way in when playing against Digne, Godfrey can start and Digne play as left wing who we know will track back and provide additional cover. With Nkounkou in the pipeline left-back position is covered.

Right-back we know Holgate can play there. Similar to Godfrey if we need someone as attacking as Coleman, we need to buy.

He's a versatile player with a sweet left foot, but his dead ball and crossing and shooting prowess is exceptional but core defending needs improving.

But all players have potential and can with grit determination, and belief improve.

Tom Davies is in a rich vein of form and his confidence and self-belief is great to see.

Let's hope that the last few days where Everton have beaten Liverpool, Bramley-Moore Dock, council approval and beaten the United U23s, is not diluted next Monday vs Southampton.

Everton must knock the smirk off Mr Ed's best mate next Monday. Let's hope Everton can get the win, and build momentum for the run-in.

Contract renewals mean nothing in terms of commitment from players, rather simply ensuring wages for x amount of years.

As for Digne's quality, we are much better with him than we would be without him. I agree he came back too soon and can get done by wingers in one-on-ones. However, Ancelloti is using him in ways that minimise those risks and, as a result, he is very effective under him.

Hope we can keep the derby attitude for Southampton and keep the good news train rolling.

Against teams that we will give possession away to, I like the option of Digne in midfield with Godfrey behind as he gives that defensive solidity. Lucas can make something happen with a cross and gives something more in midfield. I don't see it as a defensive or negative deployment now, I think he plays as an attacking midfielder in some games anyway.

Against teams with less threat, he could play the attacking full-back role, with a more attacking option like Richarlison ahead of him creating the overlaps.

He's an intelligent player and I think between him, Ben and Niels on the left it looks quite good.

Mason Holgate, Seamus Coleman and perhaps Max Aarons could create a similar trio over on the right? Offering options for the deployment of one or two of those in games as I suggested above, and offering good cover.

The game has moved on, full backs are generally converted wingers these days.

Digne is as good as it gets in the prem. His quality is sorely missed when he isn't in the team.

Great bit of business by the club.

He's a good footballer, no doubt. A big asset, no doubt. His presence gives us balance. He gives us a different dimension going forward... but the best left-back in the Premier League? He's not even the best left-back at the club. We have a centre-half who is a better left-back than he is.

I'd rather celebrate a player's assets. Foolish claims do nobody any favours. What next? James is our best defensive midfielder?

Every player has had a bad game at some point for us, but Digne has less of those than anybody else, long may that continue, I haven't counted Ben Godfrey in that before anyone points that out, as he has only been with us a short time.

As pointed out about his winning of aerial battles, he has also shown that he is adaptable even at centreback. While we are unlikely to want to or have to play him there, it shows his tactical nous and footballing abilities. He is coming into his peak years, like Baines did. Hopefully, it will coincide with trophies.

To see yet another left-back and left-footer put in those crosses and deadballs... Glad that the club continues to have quality left-backs.

Hinchcliffe had a good spell and a cultivated left foot. Has to be Baines in my lifetime, but even then, he was behind a centre-back as second-choice for left-back in his early Everton career due to doubts over his defensive abilities.

I like Lucas, he is a very very good attacking full-back. Not the best in the league but good enough to be part of (hopefully) our next great team.

Who would you consider to be a better left-back in the Premier League, Danny?

He is the best left-back in the league in my opinion and can also cover centre-back and left-wing. When he is out the team or off-form, it affects the team overall – that's how you know a player is top drawer.

He will be a key player in the future of Everton. I'm so pleased that he has committed himself to the club and speaks so well and highly of it.

I'd disagree with Darren because, in the modern game, I'd say that Digne is a better left-back than Godfrey, who I'm sure he was alluding to, but Godfrey is a much better defender, and I'm sure will become the best central defender in the country, if he can go and leap like Digne, because I'm not sure how good Ben is going to be in the air.

Digne not the best left-back at the club???

Why do you talk such nonsense mate? It's like you are on a permanent wind-up...

Of course there are better defenders – but see Tony Hibbert as an example of one who stuck to his guns like a defender from the past...

The game has moved on and our fixed definition of the job of the player needs to move on too, whether we like it or not. Those who don't adapt, but prefer to stick to the job description from a game long gone will be left back (excuse the pun).

In the modern game, full back is the position with the most space available - since centre mid is so congested.

You can play 4 centre halves to good effect but it vastly limits your attacking potency which leads to things like the Newcastle debacle.

It remains important to block crosses etc too but the team structure helps to address that (ie covering midfield players) not just the individual's diligence.

If I go off the past few seasons, I have liked the look of Chilwell. Still only 23 as well so he will get better.

And, I hate to swear, so I won't, but there's a very good left back across the park; can't deny he has been a revelation for them. Feel unclean, 10 hail Mary's for me.

I probably was being harsh Tony. Pat was a good footballer, I just don't recall him being the best. I like your centre back call, he was good when in that role.

I too can see Digne being captain. He has that presence about him.

Spot on. City's ‘left back' appeared to playing mostly in central midfield last night. The ‘jumpers for goalposts' contributors won't get it though.

😁😁,"The ‘jumpers for goalposts' contributors won't get it though"

😁😁,,,1,11:14:29,,109.249.181.28,ok,23848,02/25/2021 11:14:29,Tomrichards2@outlook.com,reader,,,no 1135732,40494,toffeeweb,25/02/2021,Brian Murray,Br.murray5466@yahoo.com,The hate goes two ways and now you can add nasty jealousy over Bramley-Moore Dock. They can have as many loft conversions as they want but polish a turd and it's still that. Less than 6 thousand season ticket holders from this area says it all. ,The hate goes too ways and now you can add nasty jealousy over bmd. The can have as many loft conversions as they want but polish a turd and it's still that. Less than 6 thousand season ticket holder's from this area says it all. ,,michael.kenrick@gmail.com,1,11:18:58,,77.103.154.139,ok,17916,02/25/2021 11:18:58,Waltonsfinest,reader,,,no 1135733,40494,toffeeweb,25/02/2021,Rob Halligan,bobsbluehouse@sky.com,"Brian, I've heard and read about the number of season ticket holders they have with a Liverpool postcode, and thought “Nah, that can't be right”.

https://twitter.com/charles_stevo/status/1334168904218927106?lang=en

I also happen to think his overall defensive workrate is quite good. Sure, he's been roasted badly on a few occasions, but I rarely feel any concern over his ability to get the job done.

All of: Shaw, Saka, Tierney, Roberton,Chilwell, Castagne, Justin, Cresswell, Targett, Digne, Zinchenko, Reguillon are excellent players.

Similar could be said of the right side.

It is a signal to the way the game is played now, and full backs are just as important to attacking fluidity as are centre-forwards and creative midfielders.

Clearly, they need to be solid defensively, but you see with the likes of Wan-Bissaka, while he is excellent defensively, Man Utd will probably look for someone else as he simply doesn't offer enough going forward. The key thing really is that they have the fitness and pace to get up and down the pitch, can read the game well enough to not get caught out positionally.

The much lauded Lampety for example, while an exciting talent, has almost zero positional awareness and just roams the pitch like a no10.

Also, it's important that when one full back goes forward, the other stays back and helps keep shape, this way the centre midfielders can easily cover the departed full back in case of a counter attack.

In terms of Digne, he's certainly amongst the best. His crossing and link up play is excellent 90% of the time, he's hard working and disciplined. he's as good as we could hope to get. If we had a Digne on the right hand side, we'd be a much more dangerous team.

He would gush over his talent and skill whilst equally raging at his "laziness" and unwillingness to "mess his hair up" (his words not mine - I always referred to one of his goals in the 5 - 0 destruction of United to counter that).

Joking aside, we both saw what you saw. Pat was the left back, Sheedy the left midfielder. As most are saying here, much more is expected of full backs in the attacking sense now. Also, not just positions, but formations fluctuate during the match much more now. We're not quite NFL in swapping out most of the team depending on offence / defence, but you do see teams' formations and players' positions shift depending on whether they are attacking or defending. Certainly a lot more than we used to.

Sheedy, similarly to comments about James, played the game in his own time at his own pace. Slowed it down to see things others didn't or couldn't. His patience in a pressure cooker of a match to wait for the right moment to slip the ball through for the 3rd goal against Bayern. Waiting on the edge of the box, Gwladys Street end with the Norwich defence in front of him. Had he hit a brick wall as he seemed to stop? No, patience. Waited for the runner (Heath) then bemused the defenders with an unexpected lobbed pass right over their heads.

Sometimes moments like that were more enjoyable than the Sheedy goals and free kicks themselves.

With Digne and Nkounkou, I think we look covered on the left. We have a strong centre back 4; strong enough for it not to be a priority this summer. Defensive priorities are clearly Seamus' replacement.

Best left-back in my time, without hesitation: Ray Wilson.

The days of having Hibbert, Lescott, even Godfrey at full back are long gone. You might get away with it for a couple of games, like we have with Godfrey this season. But the days of having a pure stopper at full back are long gone. The centre of the pitch is now so congested that full backs are a key outlet going forward.

We've been blessed to have Coleman and Baines for so long. Digne is comparable to Baines, and Aarons seems well regarded, though I haven't seen much of him. Hopefully he could be the long term successor to Coleman.

Too early for us to be honest, but Manure were fresh, excuse the anomaly, it was expected because we were playing so well, that we would add the FA Cup to our Trophy haul that season.

I remember it vividly, because I was there, Pat backed off, and backed off, an advancing Norman Whiteside, down United's right side. Why he never characteristically stopped him by the half-way line is still a mystery.

Of course we all know what happened after that. How elation after winning the Cup Winners Cup, could turn so quickly to disappointment, was a shock in itself. A very quiet bus on the way home.

There is little chance that these days, any team would be expected to play two major Finals in the space of three days.

Ben is a great defender but has not got a great left foot.

I would have to disagree, folk hero that Pat was, he wasn't in the same league as a footballer as Baines. He just played in much better sides.

Baines on the other hand for a period of about four years was one of the best left backs in Europe. If it wasn't for the fact he played at the same time as the best left back that's played in the Premiership Ashley Cole, he'd have got a lot more than the 30 caps he got. Also if he'd been a different type of character he'd have undoubtedly played for a title winning team, Ferguson tried to sign him on a few occasions.

It talks to the narrative that you don't need the best 11 players in every position to be the best team. You need the right ingredients, blend, formula; call it what you want. Because of our history, some of our best players have not played in our best teams. Baines is a good example. I always felt sorry for Peter Beardsley. We talk about gifted players looking up to see movement and seeing statues; that's how he must have seen it.

Derek; amazing isn't it and it was a disappointing day indeed. I genuinely hope that the "lost" generation and the new one get to experience the "disappointment" of losing an FA Cup final only days after winning a European trophy, which was only weeks after clinching the league title.

Success breeds success, but with it comes expectation. We were disappointed at the end of arguably our most successful season ever. And we wanted (expected) more.

Bill #54, agreed. I think it should be pointed out that in addition to being terrific in the air, Digne defensively makes very few mistakes, rarely gets caught out of position and almost never gives the ball away. No, he's not a shutdown fullback defensively like a Hibbo or a Lescott, but he can always be counted on.

What really impresses me is his attitude. Compare and contrast Digne and Moise Kean. Who do you want beside you in a ruck?

Football is still about heart. How many times do commentators and pundits use the old 'They wanted it more' line? You never heard it with Kean. You will always know it applies to Digne.

When I pay my money to watch the game, I want to know that the boys in the Blue shirt (Don't get me started on change kits) will leave it all on the pitch.

As the great Dave Hickson said... "I'd break every other bone in my body for any club I played for; I'd die for Everton." That is asking a bit too much. But Digne has that spirit. I'd play 11 of him if I could.

I also understand what people mean when they say that the game has changed. Modern full-backs have to be an 'out' option to help attacking and provide assists etc.

But no they don't!

It's just that's how most coaches, players, fans and others want to play and set their teams up. From an entertainment perspective, I agree.

But, if we had wingers, creative and mobile midfielders, and, in general, much better attacking options, we wouldn't need both full-backs to attack as wingers and defend as defenders.

It's almost an impossible task for them.

Mike Gaynes, a very good point. Baines was one of those players who, once the legs went, they seemed to go quickly. Gerrard (dry vomit) was another one.

Some players manage to adapt and prolong their career with a different approach. Others walk off the cliff edge so to speak.

I always remember the affable John Bailey after the FA Cup Final in which he played well. He was spokesman for the club at that stage, only not to be in the team the following season. As you say, replaced by Van den Hauwe, a masterstroke, who was outstanding. Now Everton concern themselves with players getting up to speed.

By the way, if anybody's interested, RBM/SB Nation posted a statistical and salary comparison of Digne to the other top left backs in the Premier League. Interesting stuff:

Lucas Digne: Performance, work ethic and leadership exemplified

Digne's a good player. He's versatile and proffessional. I like that he has signed again. I like that there is a thread where he is getting nice things said about him...but dear me ?

"Beat Leighton Baines out of the team" ? whatttt ? Thats like saying...Ah doesnt matter.

Lets try stick to the what happened rather than making stuff up. Baines was around 33 when Digne got here. The little niggles were taking longer to fix. His powers had been on a downward trajectory for a couple of years. He'd have deffo had a go, but he simply didnt have another full season left in him. Digne didnt come as an understudy. He was most definitely brought in to replace Bainsey.

The thread was worth revisitng though simply to see the claim that he is terrific in the air.

Look I like Godfrey, he's been a revelation this year. Fast, strong and hungry. But he's a centre back who's got enough footballing ability to fill in at left back. I'd be genuinely surprised if he's not first choice there for many years.

Digne is a modern full back who gives you a lot more attacking options.

Look, a great servant and great player; to reiterate the best Everton left back I've witnessed.

Jerome; you touch on the old adage that if you are going to change, it has to be for improvement even if that means outing a popular player. Pat for John Bailey, Dave Watson for Derek Mountfield (I was a Watson doubter because of my loyalty to Deggsy). Improvement needs to look beyond the popularity contest even if that means swapping out a fans' favourite.

I would look to the 50s and 60s cohort to provide earlier examples as there are many examples of unpopular decisions at the time taken by managers that ultimately turned out to be for the benefit of improving the team and squad.

You say that you want defenders to be able to defend as a priority though you also say the best left back in the league is Robertson! He can't defend to save his life but loves bombing on and has quality delivery.

Darren insists that he wants his defenders to defend but, when Ancelotti picks 4 defenders, he is a dinosaur and coward for not attacking more!

It's all about opinion comparing generations. Although good in their day, players from even 30 years ago would look very average in today's Premier League. The current rules encourage skill, speed and technique. Before the Premier League, the rules allowed a more physical approach.

I hope you mean Shaw, because the other red who gets away with so many cynical fouls has been very poor this season, and in my opinion, he is good going forward, but not a great defender.

16 games
6 assists
114 crosses
44 passes per match
38 Ariel battles won to 20 lost
34 tackles
39 clearances
18 interceptions
Tackle success rate 56%

Godfrey
1 assist
6 crosses
35 passes per match
17 games
29 tackles
66% tackle success rate
23 interceptions
52 clearances
32 ariel battles won to 16 lost

There are clear differences, Godfrey is, to zero surprise, stronger defensively. But the stats don't exactly show Digne as a liability in that regard. And in an attacking sense, there is no comparison.

So to claim Godfrey is our best left back is just not true.

My favourite Digne stat is that, in 97 Everton games, he's only not played the full 90 minutes twice (apart from when he got sent off against Southampton).

The 'what hit me?' look on Pat N's face as he staggered up from the hoardings is, I think, still pretty fresh though.

I'm sure he signed for us not long after just so he didn't have to face the other Pat again.

Elbowing Speedy? I think most players either did or wanted to. He was the sort of player that you hated unless he was in your team, an eighties Robbie Savage.

I think Digne got overplayed at times during his first couple of seasons though, and to the detriment of both himself and Leighton Baines, who definitely should have still been starting more games, because he was still one of the best players at our club.

I'm surprised we didn't use Baines more and phase Digne in Tony. That's what makes me think whether behind the scenes and on the training ground they were seeing things we don't. Seemed to hit 33 and then we didn't get more than 20 games (possibly less) out of him. Either he was underused or the legs had gone?

It's partly down to the individual as a footballer, but also how the team play and the player performing well in a role for that team on a consistent basis.

Digne is a good player. I would not class him as top class or world class but a very good attacking fullback.

Our lack of creative players further forward highlight why his attacking play and crossing is so important to us currently.

If Seamus could cross or pass a ball as good as Digne or JJK he would be on a par if not a better full back as I think he is slightly better defensively.

But he can't and although I still believe Seamus has another season in him, his poor distribution has always let him down.

However, when Shay came on to play as a wide midfielder I was very impressed with his runs, dribbling and even passing. I litterally couldn't believe how good he was.

Which also highlights how poor and desperate we are for a quality winger.

HAZARD please Carlo!

If they are not going to get Aarons for the right back role then why not Lamptey from Brighton who may still go down.

We have all loved Seamus over the last few years but like Bainsey his best days are mostly gone.

We must not get too cocky after the wonderful result against RS as the team still has to prove it can be consistent.

City are currently way ahead of the pack in many ways but with some astute acquisitions Everton could well be contenders for the title next season. It would be nice to have a team worthy of gracing such a magnificent new stadium when it's built.

Maybe Michael K, is right? So if we are never going to unite, then we have just got to believe instead, and Everton are a football club that has seen the Phoenix rise from the flames many times, and that's why your post above has got me dreaming, mate!

I'm not going to criticise and I'm not going to do the big "told you so". When many got carried away with a few good results just as many got hysterical with a few bad ones, up until now it was about staying in touch with the target. European football. That's what I've been saying all season, results and performances aside.

We are in touch, so job done so far. But now we're in the business phase of the season. Now we have to make games count and start to pull away just as a race horse kicks on in the final furlongs having stayed in the slip stream close to the pack.

European football and the FA Cup are on the table and ours to take. Get both or either then reinforce further than what we done last summer and who knows?