OPINION
Cuco Martina can give Sam Allardyce a selection headache by delivering a memorable performance against Watford on Saturday.
The 28-year-old defender, who is naturally a right-back, has been playing at left-back for the majority of the season, as Leighton Baines has been unavailable since injuring his calf in the 4-1 league defeat to Southampton in November.
However Sam Allardyce confirmed during his press conference ahead of Saturday’s game that Baines could make the Toffees squad for the trip to Vicarage Road.
Everton’s official Twitter account quoted Allardyce on Friday morning:
SA: "Mangala is out and Seamus Coleman looks like he will be struggling as well – but Leighton Baines has a chance of being in the squad for @WatfordFC." #EFC
— Everton (@Everton) February 23, 2018
With Baines only looking to make the squad this weekend, it means Martina has one more opportunity to prove that he should stay in the team despite a natural left-back being available.
Martina may have had a tough start to life adapting to his role on the left, but in recent appearances, seems to have transformed into a player worthy of being a regular starter.
The 28-year-old works hard and shows his desire by chasing down every loose ball, also he clearly must be determined to succeed at left-back based on how much he has improved.
Martina has grabbed two assists in his last two league games, and the assist he got against Arsenal came after he crossed the ball perfectly with his left foot.
The defender has made 26 appearances this season for the Toffees across all competitions, and it was previously unthinkable in his earlier outings that he would be able to kick the ball so well with his weaker foot.
Also ahead of getting injured, Baines didn’t exactly impress in the 20 appearances he made earlier in the season.
The only reason Allardyce will be keen to get him back involved is because of the fact he is their only natural left-back.
The 33-year-old previously showed signs of his age catching up with him and his recent injury wouldn’t have seen the condition of his legs improve.
So after impressing as of late, if Martina is at his best against Watford, then Allardyce will have no choice but to keep playing him ahead of Baines.