Baines Will Remain at Everton for Another 2 Years Minimum

In the pre Chelsea press conference, Ronald Koeman had heaps of praise for Leighton Baines, going as far as saying he is one of the best left fullbacks in the Premier League. Yes, Ron. Everton have recently been linked with Barcelona left back, 19 year old Marc Cucurella, with time taking its toll, is his position in jeopardy?

Nah. It would take some player to replace Leighton Baines. During the decline of Martinez, one of the main catalysts for fans rebelling against the manager and calling for his removal from the club, was when he made Baines apologise for an honest statement he made in the media. The fans reacted with intense support, bringing banners to the Watford game after he gave his apology, reading “Baines is one of us”. Baines forged this relationship through work ethic, loyalty, but most importantly, sheer talent.

WATFORD, UNITED KINGDOM – APRIL 09: Everton fans hold a banner suppoting Leighton Baines of Everton prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Watford and Everton at Vicarage Road on April 9, 2016 in Watford, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images) /

Leighton Baines is currently considered as a top 5 contender for best leftback in Premier League history, most would only consider Ashley Young to have been better during the last 25 years of English football. Perhaps things could have been different if he hadn’t have been injured frequently over the last few years, which could become problematic for his future at Everton.

At 32, he is no spring chicken any more, and after having serious injuries in consecutive seasons now, there has been a dip in the quality of his performances. He is still a top defender undoubtedly, but he is receding as time goes on. It is a wonder he has performed anywhere near the level he has been over the last 2 seasons, which is something Koeman acknowledges.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 13: Leighton Baines of Everton looks on during the Premier League match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park on December 13, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

He is a faultless player, barely making mistakes, so when Everton opt for the right-heavy set up with Lukaku playing on the right so that he can cut in and place the ball with his left foot, Baines is the perfect player to sit back on the left. So even slowing down as he ages turns into a positive, is he even capable of doing wrong?

With 38 chances created and a pass accuracy of 80% in 27 appearances this season, he has been an important part of our success. Koeman believes he can keep this up for at least another 2 seasons, a reassuring comment for anyone who understands what it means to be an Evertonian.

Up the Ev.

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