LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Lucas Digne of Everton runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Everton and West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park on September 19, 2020 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
According to Liverpool Echo, Lucas Digne has been mentioned as the next Everton player who deserves to be in line for a new contract. The Toffees have handed out a lot of new contracts to first-team stars over the last few seasons. With just over two years remaining in Digne’s current deal, he should among those in line to receive a new one.
Having progressed through the youth ranks at LOSC Lille, Digne broke into the first-team and made a huge impression. As a result, he was snapped up by Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2013.
His time at the club wasn’t a huge success though, as he found it difficult to establish himself as a first-team regular. In two years at the club, Digne made 44 appearances, assisting five goals. Having failed to make an impact, Digne was loaned out to AS Roma in 2015.
Having produced a return of 3 goals and 3 assists in 42 matches, Digne prompted Barcelona to sign him up in 2016. However, the 26-year-old couldn’t displace Jordi Alba as the first-choice left-back at the club. Having made only 46 appearances in two years, Digne signed for Everton in the summer of 2018.
Since joining the Toffees, Digne has developed into one of the best full-backs in the Premier League. In his debut campaign with the Merseysiders, the 26-year-old missed just three league outings, finishing with an impressive return of four goals and assists each.
The 27-year-old enjoyed a productive 2019/20 campaign as well, racking up one goal and eight assists. Digne has carried on from where he left off last season, as Everton have punched above their weight this time out.
The fact that he has captained the team for a number of games last term highlights his importance and status at the club. The left-back remains vital to the team’s attack down the left, as evident from the couple of assists he provided against Fulham earlier in the day.
Digne’s effect could be felt this season when his suspension led to Niels Nkoulou starting and Everton failed to produce any sort of creativity. It is proof of his importance to the side.
While it would be hard to keep a player harbouring Champions League aspirations, Everton can point to the fact how valued he is at the club. They can start showing that by handing him a new and improved contract.
