Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that he thinks Everton’s Lucas Digne is one of the best left-backs in Europe.
The former Paris Saint-Germain boss was speaking after it was confirmed that the France international would require surgery to fix ankle ligament damage.
Sky Sports quote Ancelotti as saying: ‘It is a big loss because he is one of the best left-backs in Europe at the moment but we have to manage this.’
Digne suffered the injury in training at Finch Farm earlier in the week, and his absence will be a huge blow to the Toffees.
It’s hard to argue with Ancelotti’s claim that the 27-year-old is one of Europe’s best players in his position – he is just so solid in numerous areas.
Digne – who cost £18 million – is a deadly asset from set-pieces, while his overlaps and deliveries into the box are consistently brilliant.
The left-back – who has played for European giants such as PSG and Barcelona – has amassed four assists in eight Premier League games this season.
Only Harry Kane and Jack Grealish have assisted more, as the Premier League’s official site shows.
Additionally, Digne is also hugely reliable defensively. WhoScored shows that he averages three clearances, 2.5 successful aerial duels and 1.9 tackles per game.
There isn’t much that the Everton No.12 cannot do, and his absence is a huge blow to Ancelotti and the Toffees.