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Everton recalling Baines and moving Digne forward could yield success
Everton have been struggling lately.
The Toffees have slipped to 11th in the Premier League table after stumbling through the Christmas period.
There have been some very disappointing results for Marco Silva’s side. 1-0 defeats to Leicester City and Brighton, have rendered the recent 5-1 comeback victory over Burnley almost pointless.
Silva is only seven months into his new job and should not be judged to ferociously at this point.
A number of new players came in in the summer, as they did the summer before, and the Portuguese is arguably still working things out.
That said, owner Farhad Moshiri has gently applied the pressure on the manager by admitting the club’s league position is ‘just not good enough’ ().
There is, however, a possible tactical change Silva could make in order to turn things around.
Baines in, Digne pushed forward
Leighton Baines was recalled to the side by Silva for the FA Cup clash with Lincoln City.
The veteran produced a solid performance considering his lack of game time this season, and perhaps he merits playing in the Premier League a little more going forwards.
Silva could use Baines at left-back, and shoehorn Lucas Digne in at left wing with Bernard moving over to the right in place of the struggling Theo Walcott.
Digne has demonstrated a great aptitude for attacking full-back play. Relieving him of his defensive duties a bit could help Everton improve.
Arguably, this would be for when Silva opts to use a flat back four rather than three centre-halves with wing-backs.
Everton need to change something, and perhaps this could be something that works and eases the pressure.