Everton Super Fans react to Lucas Digne omission v Arsenal
This is part of a regular series from our panel of Everton Super Fans. Each week, Super Fans from our Goodison News Facebook page will deliver their verdicts on the biggest talking points and news stories around Goodison Park.
Lucas Digne was dropped from the squad during Everton’s 2-1 win over Arsenal on Monday night.
Ben Godfrey, a natural central defender, did really well at left-back in his place and earned rich reviews from his manager.
Digne was fully fit for the game, and he was not carrying an injury either.
After the match, Benitez (6 December) spoke highly of Godfrey suggesting he justified his selection. The Spaniard wants players to have the right mentality, which further raises doubts over Digne’s situation.
Some of the fans feel that Digne has been very poor this season, while there are others who have suggested he could be the first high-profile player to be sold by the manager.
Here’s what they had to say:
Curious case
The 28-year-old is now in his fourth season at the club. He has made over 120 appearances and has been brilliant in the previous seasons.
Digne has been superb going forward, while his set-piece deliveries are at times bordering on top-quality.
However, he hasn’t been able to make a strong impression on his manager who is probably not convinced with his defending.
It is now unclear whether he can force his way back to Benitez’s squad for the next game against Crystal Palace.
Dropping him against the Gunners could be a tactical switch, but omitting a player completely from the squad raises eyebrows.
Digne has a contract at the club till 2025, and Everton can recoup a profit if they at all look to sell him. But chances are high that Benitez will ask him to adapt to the new system and demands.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are plotting January loan-to-buy bid for centre-mid hailed by Jack Grealish last month.
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