Bullish Benitez urged to make U-turn over ‘exceptional’ Everton star
Noel Whelan feels Rafa Benitez should swallow his pride and bring Lucas Digne back into his Everton squad to face Crystal Palace.
Digne, 28, has started 13 of the Toffees 15 Premier League games this season. But he played no part as the Merseysiders came from behind to beat Arsenal 2-1 on Monday night. The Athletic reported earlier this week that the Spanish tactician made the call after a row with the France international.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Benitez moved to assert his authority over the player. And he may well miss out on Sunday’s trip to Selhurst Park.
“Lucas was clear, the manager decides. He’s been training today. We will decide tomorrow,” Benitez told reporters. “I think we need all the players around, to increase the competition in the team. Everybody has to be focused, and realise the priority is the team.”
But former Leeds striker Whelan believes the former Liverpool chief cannot afford to sideline such an influential player.
“Obviously Everton got the win the other night. It wasn’t a very convincing win. Really, it was a win where they stopped the rot,” he told Football Insider. “It is a statement of intent from the manager to ask the players to play his way.
“At the same time, it’s quite a risky game when you’ve got a really top-quality wing-back that you need in your side.
“He’s been exceptional since the time that he joined Everton. His quality going forward. Would you really want to hold him back when he’s got that left foot? It is like a wand at times?”
Digne among Everton elite
Digne has made 128 Everton appearances since moving to the club from Barcelona in August 2018. He has always been a regular starter and provides Everton with width on the left.
It has been tough for the blue half of the city this term, with Monday’s triumph the first since late September. And that is why Whelan feels it is vital that the boss must select his top players to face the Eagles.
“He’s got that attacking presence you need to go out and win games,” he added. “Right now, with the run that they’ve been on, yes, it’s a win and yes, it’s a positive.
“But at the same time you need to be putting out your best players. He’s certainly one of those.”
READ MORE: Rafa Benitez gives blessing to new man as Everton consider Brands successor
The post Bullish Benitez urged to make U-turn over ‘exceptional’ Everton star appeared first on TEAMtalk.