Some Everton fans have been left fuming as a revelation from Lucas Digne emerged.
Speaking to evertontv (via Everton's official website), the left-back has claimed that Rafael Benitez wants him to be more of a defender this season and hold back from attacking as much as he normally world.
The Frenchman revealed: “The manager asked me to be more of a defender this season, to stay back a bit more and keep a better balance for the team. Then, sometimes, I can drive forwards, but only when it is right for the team."
Unfortunately for Digne, it has not made much difference, as he has only managed to help Everton keep three clean sheets in 12 games across all competitions so far this season, scoring one goal and not providing any assists (Transfermarkt).
Comparing that to previous campaigns, in where he managed to secure seven assists from defence in each of the last two Premier League seasons (Transfermarkt), it suggests that the sacrifices Digne has made to his attacking game are simply not worth it given his lack of clean sheets so far this term.
Everton fans on Digne revelation
These Everton fans fumed as the revelation from Digne was shared by the club's official Twitter channel:
"Please get Benitez out I beg."
"Rafa holding back our players is it?"
"One of the best attacking LB’s being told to stay back"
"Well it's clearly not working"
"Completely wasting one of our few good players another masterstroke from Mr. Benitez"
"One of the best attacking full backs in the league and Benitez is telling him to stay back"
In other news, find out what transfer news has left these Everton fans fuming