Digne: Immersing In Everton Culture Has Been Crucial

Lucas Digne has revealed how he has immersed himself in the culture at Everton and believes this has been instrumental in his swift adaptation to life at the Club.

The Frenchman signed from Barcelona in the summer and has gone on to emerge as one of the Blues’ standout performers this season.

He has played every minute of the Toffees’ past 17 Premier League matches and has consistently combined polished defensive work with attacking ambition.

Digne’s quality on the ball, meanwhile, is highlighted by the fact he has delivered more accurate crosses (46) than any other Premier League player.

He has also hit three goals for the Blues, with each effort coming from outside the box. The defender memorably curled home a stoppage-time free-kick against Watford at Goodison Park on December 10, before two superb strikes helped Marco Silva’s side secure a 5-1 triumph at Burnley on Boxing Day.

Still just 25 years old, France international Digne has already featured in four of Europe’s pre-eminent leagues. He has played in his homeland for Lille and Paris St Germain, as well as for Serie A side Roma and Catalan giants Barcelona.

Now five months into his Premier League career, Digne has again proved his capacity to rapidly acclimatise to a new style of football.

Upon signing for Everton, Digne says he was determined to learn as much as possible about both the Club and the city of Liverpool.

He says he is enjoying life on Merseyside and believes feeling settled at home has helped to perform on the pitch.

“It is a positive thing to experience new cultures,” the left-back explains.

“I want to discover everything. When I came to Everton, I wanted to know about the country, the Club, the language.

“The Club grows up with the city and the city grows up with the Club. If you want to know the Club, you have to know the city, too.”


Digne is also keen to emphasise the importance of his close support network, which he insists has helped him become the player – and man – he is today.

Asked who have been the greatest influences during his career, he highlights five individuals.

“My wife helped me with everything: stability, mentality,” he says.

“And my brother, father and mother. My family are always here for me. When I am down and when I am up, they are here – and they are most important.

“And then there is my agent, Mikkel [Beck, former Middlesbrough and Denmark striker]. He is not just an agent. I have known him 10 years and he is like a second father for me.

“He has all my confidence and is like part of my family. Some agents don’t say when their player plays badly.

“He always tells me the truth and is a very good guy. I want honest people around me.”