The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland has recently aired an explanation as to why the Toffees chose to offer Leighton Baines a contract extension.
Last week, it was revealed by various outlets that the Toffees would be extending the contract of the English left-back for a further season.
If he signs the deal, this will take the 35-year-old into his 14th term at Goodison Park since signing for Everton in 2007 from Wigan Athletic for £6.75 million (per Transfermarkt).
Carlo Ancelotti himself stated in early March that he would like Baines to stay with the club for a further season and that it would be the player’s decision if he was going to stay.
However, in the latest episode of the Gwlad Tidings podcast, Boyland spoke with fellow reporter Greg O’Keeffe to shed further light on the matter.
He said: “This is not just a sentimental decision. He’s impressed, not just the supporters, but everybody at Everton with the performances when he’s had an opportunity this season. He is still a wonderful professional.
“He’s keeping himself in wonderful shape. He’s obviously got a lovely left foot and he’s a popular figure in the dressing room.”
TIF Thoughts…
As stated by the Athletic reporter, it seems that Baines’ handful of appearances for the Toffees this season, coupled with his impact in the dressing room, has earned him the new deal.
Meanwhile, his statistics in the Premier League this season would suggest that Baines is deserving of praise and the new contract.
Despite making just five league appearances for the Goodison Park club so far this season, the Englishman has been the sixth-best performer for the Toffees on average (per WhoScored).
Have Everton made the right decision to extend the contract of Leighton Baines?Yes, it's a great decision
No, he's not good enough
|
In three starts and two substitute appearances, the 35-year-old defender picked up an impressive 6.78/10 average rating.
Baines has also earned the third-highest pass success percentage in the squad over his outings (86.3%) and also averaged the second-most crosses per game (1.8).
So, it seems that the Toffees have made a sensible decision to keep the left-back as a backup option for a further season.