Some eyebrows were raised during the last summer transfer window when Everton were scooping up Barcelona players left, right, and centre but in doing so they snagged left-back Lucas Digne for £18 million.
The signing of Yerry Mina seemed logical after the World Cup performances of the towering Colombian centre-back, including “that” goal against England. Yet things haven’t really panned out after an injury-plagued season for the defender and Digne has stood out in his maiden Premier League campaign.
Many people, including myself, tipped Everton’s Merseyside rivals to have the summer bargain by obtaining Xherdan Shaqiri from Stoke City for £13 million.
However, since the turn of the year, the Swiss midfielder has had very little playing time after his lively start to the season and the time he has received has seen a downturn in his form.
Elsewhere, Joao Moutinho has also had a bright start to Premier League life as Wolves throw themselves into the spotlight and European contention.
The 2016 European Championship winner has been pulling the strings in the centre of the park after signing for Wolves from Monaco for £5 million. With that being said, Moutinho is coming towards the close of his career and was brought into this Wolves team, along with Rui Patricio, as a veteran in order to bring experience to what is a relatively young team. Also, it seems that the more Portuguese players the better for Nuno Espirito Santo and by adding Moutinho and Patricio it keeps that quotient up.
In what has ultimately been a mixed season for Everton, Digne has been one of the bright spots.
He has adapted well to Premier League life and has shown immense ability with his free-kick taking and crosses from the left wing.
The Frenchman has also endeared himself to fans through dogged displays, an eye for goal, and bursting runs down the wing which have paid dividends for the Blues this campaign.
Also, his looping long throws have caused many teams problems this season and add a dynamic that many many teams lack. He has proven himself as the rightful heir to the position, dethroning the ageing Leighton Baines.
Furthermore, it doesn’t hurt that he has made it well known that he denied Liverpool twice before coming to Everton, which makes anyone welcome at Goodison Park.
