OPINION
When Everton signed left-back Lucas Digne in the summer transfer window, many fans would have thought that Leighton Baine’s career at the club was dead in the sand.
However, they certainly would not take that view after the veteran defender thoroughly impressed with his display in the third round of the FA Cup against Lincoln City on Saturday.
He looked like the Baines of old – the Baines that was a regular for England and whipped in dangerous crosses that would be hard not to get on the end of.
The 34-year-old’s superb assist allowed Ademola Lookman to head the Toffees in front in what would turn out to be a 2-1 win for Marco Silva’s side.
In fact the defender did not look out of place in the starting XI in the slightest, and this would have no doubt now caused a selection headache for Silva for their upcoming clash against Bournemouth next weekend.
Who does he pick – Baines or Digne?
There is no doubting the talent of Digne, after all, he has saved Everton’s blushes a couple of times with his mightily impressive free kicks.
However, there have been times where he has been rather shaky in terms of his defensive duties, which arguably gives Baines a slight edge in Silva’s view.
It would be a small risk continuing to start the £70,000-a-week [Spotrac] star, but this display certainly proved why he has been an Goodison Park favourite for so long.
His link-up play with Bernard was excellent all afternoon, and his energetic presence is just what the Toffees have been missing in their recent matches.
Baines caused havoc down the left-flank all game, with the impact he made on the attack proving to be invaluable to Everton’s overall play.
One thing is for sure – he turned heads on Saturday, and Silva must make an important decision.