Everton Player ratings for August: Demarai Gray sparkles, DCL unstoppable
Everton left back Lucas Digne has been one of the best left backs in the Premier League
Lucas Digne
Appearances – 4
Starts – 3
Minutes played – 296
Clean Sheets – 1
Goals/Assists – 0/0
Rating – 7
Lucas Digne penned a new deal earlier in 2021, extending his stay at Everton till 2025. The left back has been one of the best in the league for a couple of successive seasons and has shown no signs of slowing down.
The Frenchman has started this season on a strong note. He has not been able to assist a goal but his threat from the flanks remain as he has so far created 3.33 shot creating actions. Defensively he has been astute, averaging 1.67 tackles, 2.67 interceptions and 3.33 successful pressures per 90 minutes.
With the arrival of Demarai Gray, Digne will now have reliable support while providing service from the left flank. Everton boss Rafa Benitez has concentrated on improving the service to the strikers and Digne will play a key role in achieving the goal. Digne has been a workhorse and continues to shine on both ends of the pitch
Seamus Coleman
Appearances – 3
Starts – 3
Minutes played – 270
Clean Sheets – 1
Goals/Assists – 0/0
Rating – 7
Seamus Coleman started his 12th season at Goodison Park and has been defensively sound while also supporting Andros Townsend ahead on the right flank. He was solid against Southampton and did a decent job in suffocating Jack Harrison against Leeds, not allowing many attacks through his side.
Everton’s failure to find a long successor may put extra pressure on Coleman but he has had a decent start under Rafa Benitez. Under the Spaniard, Coleman looks more direct attempting more long balls and crosses than he used to under former manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Jonjoe Kenny
Appearances – 1
Starts – 1
Minutes played – 90
Clean Sheets – 0
Goals/Assists – 0/0
Rating – 6.5
Jonjoe Kenny isn’t expected to fill in Seamus Coleman’s shoes. He was for sale had a new right back come in but Everton’s failure to sign a new RB meant that Kenny remained at the club. He featured in the EFL Cup game against Huddersfield in a right wing back position as Rafa Benitez deployed a three man defence.
The academy graduate was involved in the game and showed glimpses of his attacking potential creating one big chances and playing one key pass. The 24 year old really needs to have a stellar season in order to change the minds of those in the Everton offices.
Niels Nkounkou
Appearances – 1
Starts – 1
Minutes played – 75
Clean Sheets – 0
Goals/Assists – 0/0
Rating – 6
Niels Nkounkou has loads of attacking potential but where he lacks is the defensive solidity and security. The Frenchman showed flashes of what he can while going forward against Huddersfield but really failed to hold his fort while defending. He has left Everton on loan, joining Standard Liege where he’ll get regular playing time and chances to refine his play.