Loads of Everton fans have been sharing mixed reactions over the efforts of French right-back Djibril Sidibe, after he made his Blues debut in his new side’s Carabao Cup victory over League One outfit Lincoln City.
Sidibe joined Marco Silva’s Goodison Park natives on loan from AS Monaco this summer, with the Merseyside outfit obtaining an option to purchase the 2018 World Cup winner permanently next year for an additional €14million (£12.7m) on top of the €2.5million (£2.2m) loan-fee (L’Equipe).
Like with fellow summer additions Alex Iwobi and Moise Kean, Silva has taken his time to introduce the 27-year-old to the English game, and only handed the Frenchman his first inclusion on a matchday teamsheet for Everton’s 2-0 defeat at Aston Villa (TransferMarkt) last Friday.
The Carabao Cup, however, offered the Portuguese the chance to make changes to his preferred line-up, and Sidibe proved to be one of five names drafted into the eleven that started at the Sincil Bank Stadium on Wednesday night.
Everton fans were not totally convinced that the former Ligue 1 champion will have what it takes to challenge Seamus Coleman for the first-choice position at right-back, though, as he left some supporters feeling uneasy with the way he managed the threat of Danny Cowley’s Imps.
During his full-game appearance, some fans felt that Sidibe was caught out of possession on too many occasions, although portions of the Goodison Park faithful accepted that his rusty performance could have been due to his lack of game time in Royal Blue thus far.
The stats recorded by WhoScored from the round two clash would support those who were moderately impressed by what the Troyes-born player has to offer, as the sports analytics company noted that Sidibe won 80% of his five attempted tackles, made two clearances and one interception, as well as completing 64 of his 78 attempted passes.
Sidibe’s four successful tackles was also a joint team-high with Richarlison and Lucas Digne, and four-times that of centre-backs Michael Keane and Mason Holgate and twice as many as holding midfielders Fabian Delph and Morgan Schneiderlin.
Here’s how these fans judged Sidibe’s debut in Royal Blue…
Sidibe was great don’t know what dream u were having imagine him up against any PL winger !! Christ he’d have to retire after one game
— Colm Hudson (@IrishEverton) 29 August 2019
Sidibe was amazing
— The Incredible Fella (@Mesofreshhh) 28 August 2019
I thought Sidibe was okay, you can tell it was his first game. He grew into as the game went on.
— Jimmy (@NorthernOaf) 29 August 2019
Sidibe done enough to prove he’s going to push coleman, delph was always going to be a good signing, the movement off Iwobi, Richy, and kean really promising,..gylfi plays it too safe instead of looking for the killer ball which he’s more than capable of,…Digne is a cut above
— Pete (@pimperelli7) 28 August 2019
Yes apart from sidibe, caught out of position too many times but ok for a first game
— Dan (@DanEFC6) 28 August 2019
Once he got into he done well sidibe, do good for the fitness of the new lads that
— antony ditchfield (@ditchoefc11) 28 August 2019
Decent effort in the end. Goals conceded were worrying. We still dont create enough real chances though. Iwobi impressed me again tonight, he is a real handful. Kean again showed promise and Sidibe got much better as the game went on. In the next round but not convincing #efc
— Simon Currie (@sicurrie) August 28, 2019
Thought Sidibe looked a little shaky mate to be honest.
— Ian Irvine (@irvine75) 28 August 2019
In all honesty was not sure on Sidibe thought he never played that well Kean will be great Iwobi was not sure about but looks the part and could Delph be the new Barry un fancied but does well for us.
— Robbie Leatherbarrow (@rwl140172) 28 August 2019
