It’s fair to say Leighton Baines has been a fantastic servant for Everton since making the move to Goodison Park from Wigan all those years ago.
The 35-year-old has played a whopping 417 times for the Toffees, scoring 39 goals and providing a further 67 assists. But with his age catching up to him, it has been little surprise to see his first-team opportunities begin to dwindle.
This campaign alone has seen predominantly be named on the bench, or not even in the match-day squad at all. But following the injury to first-choice left-back, Lucas Digne, Baines has started and completed the full 90 minutes in Everton’s last two matches in the Premier League.
Watch Everton Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below
And to his credit, he has performed admirably, particularly against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
As per Sofascore, his overall match rating of 7.6 was better than any other Everton player on the pitch, and when you look at the underlying numbers behind his performance, it is easy to see why.
Defensively, he was as solid as a rock, making two tackles, interceptions and clearances apiece, whilst he also won five of his eight total duels. But Baines has always been one of the Premier League’s stand-out attacking full-backs, as seen by that quite impressive goals and assists record previously mentioned.
Can you remember how much each of these transfer icons cost? Only experts will get 100% on our quiz…
And against United, he was at his vintage best in terms of trying to create opportunities for others. He provided three key passes (just one less than the rest of the Everton team combined), created one big chance, and provided four accurate crosses. The Toffees seemed to be orchestrating their attacks down the left-hand side due to his impressive performance, and it was no surprise that he finished the game with 66 touches – the most of any player in a blue shirt.
Whilst Digne undoubtedly has proven himself to be the first-choice on that left-hand side (he had six assists this season before his injury), Baines’ performance has just given the Frenchman a major cause for concern. When he does return to full fitness, the ace signed by Marco Silva won’t have an easy route straight back into the first-team, and will instead have to fight it out with a veteran who is enjoying one final stand.
Meanwhile, Everton fans have been questioning this man’s inclusion against Manchester United.