OPINION
Having three international stars in one single position is usually something reserved for the sides at the top of the table but Everton can boast a trio of talents who have represented their country.
In Lucas Digne, Leighton Baines and Antonee Robinson, they have a French, English and USA to call upon at left back, despite the latter of the three having never played a first team game for the Toffees.
The 21-year-old has played more games for his country than his parent club, turning out six times under the Stars and Stripes, the Toffees having chosen to ship him out on loan to earn more game time and develop as a footballer.
With Baines’ contract coming to an end this summer, Robinson might well have thought his chance at Goodison Park had finally come around but the Liverpool Echo report that another temporary departure, having spent time at Wigan and Bolton in recent years, is on the cards with Baines set to sign a 12 month deal.
If Everton thought Robinson was ready to play for them, Baines would be out the door and the youngster would be Digne’s understudy – instead it is the veteran who looks set to sit on the bench and the homegrown starlet heading out on a temporary basis.
Robinson must surely make the most of this impending departure to prove his worth at Goodison Park – otherwise, he will be fighting for his future this time next year.
Game time is all well and good but if he fails to show a marked improvement, Marco Silva will be looking for his replacement and he will be looking for a new club – potentially on a permanent basis.
These next 12 months are going to be crucial for Robinson – it is a year which could make or break his future on Merseyside.