Supporters of Everton have buzzed over the club’s out of favour left-back, Leighton Baines, and expressed their desire to see him reinstated to first-team action.
The 34-year-old Englishman has not made a single appearance for Marco Silva’s side so far this term and has only featured on the bench on a handful of occasions in league and cup (as per Transfermarkt).
With supporters remembering the seemingly forgotten man, many called for the former Goodison Park star to be reinstated to Silva’s first-team squad.
Brilliant Baines
— Jimmy Cluedo (@CluedoJimmy) December 3, 2019
would love to see bainsey get a bit of a run this season
— paul (@paulEfC1975) December 3, 2019
Absolute wand
— Jake Marsh (@JakeMarsh1) December 3, 2019
Great player & great Evertonian. Always plays with pride & passion, NEVER gives up, always plays to win, always believes. Would love a team full of Bainseys, we might get some results then. Team of 84/85 all played that & we know what happened there…..
— Jayne C (@clissold_jayne) December 4, 2019
Is Leighton Baines the Toffees' greatest ever defender?No, there have been betterYes, he just oozes class |
Over the summer, the left-back signed a new year-long contract with the Toffees as he felt he could still contribute (via Liverpool Echo), however, has found minutes extremely hard to come by.
Across his career at Goodison Park, Baines has bagged 38 goals and a further 67 assists over 411 appearances with the Toffees (per Transfermarkt), after arriving from Wigan in 2007 for £6.75 million (via Transfermarkt).
Now, with his career looking as though it is drawing to a close, many paid testament to the abilities of the 34-year-old Englishman.
The first EFC shirt I bought was Baines, love that guy. No showboating or drama, just got out there and did his thing and was damn good at it.
— Joel Morrow (@yesthisisjoel) December 3, 2019
Digne has been struggling lately, not sure what Bains got left him in him but if he’s fit I’d give him a run out and the captains arm band
— #KJEFC (@khrjacko) December 3, 2019
Absolute class player pic.twitter.com/Zy4SCoOBhe
— Jeff Dixon (@JeffDix20930926) December 3, 2019
What do we think?
While Baines is far north of 30, he would still be able to do a solid job for the Toffees should he ever be called up.
Although he has not yet featured so far this season, the summer contract signing was not in vain as he can provide important back up to Lucas Digne and pass on his experience.