Defender Digne Hails Everton Character

Lucas Digne says Everton’s strong mentality is responsible for the defensive resolve which has seen the Blues record four clean sheets in seven matches.

Left-back Digne had a huge hand in Everton achieving their latest shutout when he was perfectly positioned to block Josh Murphy’s goalbound strike in the closing seconds of Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Cardiff City.

The former Barcelona defender has established himself as a key member of Everton’s back four and will hope for his 11th straight Premier League start when Marco Silva's side tackle Liverpool on Sunday.

Everton head for Anfield fresh from reeling off four straight home wins and having not conceded a goal in their past 237 minutes of action.

“We defended very well against Cardiff and were determined to keep another clean sheet,” Frenchman Digne told evertontv.

“We have a strong mentality and focus and we deserved to win.

“Goodison Park is a fortress and we want to continue to win at home for the fans. Their support is excellent every time and it is an amazing atmosphere in the stadium.

“It was very difficult to play good football because of the way Cardiff played but we won and stopped them scoring, so it was perfect."

Digne’s polished Club form was rewarded with a recall to Didier Deschamps’ World Cup-winning France squad last month. He won his 22nd and 23rd caps either side of helping Everton become the first team since January – and only third in this calendar year – to prevent Chelsea from scoring in a Premier League game at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues drew 0-0 with Maurizio Sarri’s team two weeks ago and have conceded only four times in seven matches.

Digne, who signed for Everton in August following two years at the Nou Camp, has been a cornerstone of that miserly backline. Moreover, Digne is an integral figure in his team's offensive play, the 25-year-old attacking with conviction and quality in the image of a modern-day full-back.

Everton have sent more crosses into the box (292) than any other Premier League team this term.

The buccaneering Digne has been the source of 92 of those deliveries – the second highest number of crosses supplied by any top-flight player this season.


Digne has created more scoring opportunities (22) than any defender in the division – three more than England full-back Kieran Trippier and a further four more than renowned Chelsea raider Marcos Alonso.

He marked his full debut against Huddersfield Town back in September by providing an assist for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to score and has proved impossible to shift from the side as Everton have steadily plotted a route into the Premier League's top six.

“I am enjoying my football and am so happy,” said Digne, one of six full internationals brought in by Everton manager Silva ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

“The spirit in the dressing room is very good. All the new players have been helped to settle by our teammates and we are always talking together.

“It is so important for the team [that everyone is integrated]. It [the other players’ support] has helped us all play in the team soon after joining and do what the Club wants from us.

“We continue to win at home, which was so important after we drew with Chelsea. Now we have to focus on continuing to achieve positive results.”