‘Well played’ – Darren Bent reacts to reported Everton deal in the pipeline
Darren Bent has claimed that it would be a great idea for Everton to offer Leighton Baines a new contract.
The veteran full-back has found himself thrust back into the starting XI in recent times due to an injury to first choice left-back Lucas Digne.
And after a string of impressive displays, it is expected that he will put pen to paper on a fresh contract extension that would keep him at Goodison Park for another year, as per The Athletic.
Carlo Ancelotti is said to be the driving force behind the decision, and Bent believes that it is a wise one.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “It probably suits both of them. Leighton Baines has been a great servant for Everton.
“Experienced, knows the club inside and out, you need these type of players about. Also, when he’s stepped in for Everton, he’s never let them down really, from the moment he arrived to the moment he’ll leave.
“It’s a reward and testament to himself, keeping himself fit, and you need that experience there. He knows the club really, really well. He knows how to guide the club out of tough times as well.
“I’m all for that. That’s well played.”
Would this be a good move from Everton?
Absolutely, yes.
If there were any lingering doubts over whether or not Baines could still cut it at the top level, his recent run in the first team will surely have quelled them.
Filling in for Lucas Digne superbly, he averaged a pass completion rate of 82.4%, as well as a total action success rate of 69.5%, as per Wyscout.
For his part, Digne has averaged 77.5% and 63.6% in those areas respectively, as per Wyscout.
There are few defenders with the experience that Baines boasts, and few who could offer the same level of cover either.
Give him a new deal as soon as possible, please.
In other Everton news, Report – Toffees given second chance to swoop for 28y/o Serie A dazzler.