Digne spends Christmas with Everton family
Lucas Digne is preparing for his first family Christmas on Merseyside, but there is plenty of work for him on top of all the turkey and presents.
That’s because the Everton defender will line up against Tottenham this afternoon in the first of four league games in ten days.
Trips to Burnley and Brighton follow before a New Year’s Day clash at home to Leicester provides Digne with a crash course in festive football.
Digne came from Barcelona this summer and previous clubs included Paris St-Germain and Roma, where previous Christmases always meant time off.
“It will be my first time playing on Boxing Day,” he says. “I’m very happy to be playing over Christmas.
“Christmas is about spending it with your family – and Everton is my family.
“For me, it’s perfect. You can play football and then spend time with family.
“My parents and brother come to England this weekend and will stay for the holidays.”
The 25-year-old has had big shoes to fill at Everton as he has replaced the popular Leighton Baines at left-back.
He has started every match since breaking into the team at the start of September and he’s set up a number of goals and grabbed his first one with an injury time free-kick in the recent 2-2 draw with Watford.
However, Everton haven’t won any of their last four games and they know it won’t be easy against Spurs.
But Digne wants his team to go toe-totoe with Mauricio Pochettino’s side to prove they are on the right track.
“We were a little bit unlucky against Manchester City last week,” he admits.
“We need to be focused throughout the game. Against Watford before that, we lost concentration for four or five minutes and conceded two goals.
“Tottenham are a very good team, but so are we. We play at home and we need to play our best game.
“We will try and play with possession and not be too defensive. A lot of people believe in our team because they can see we give everything on the pitch.
“The challenge in this period is to win every game. Afterwards we will see what happens.”