LUCAS DIGNE’S (£2.4m) departure from Everton still doesn’t make complete sense.
The Frenchman was one of the Toffees’ best players but he didn’t see eye-to-eye with Rafa Benitez and was subsequently sold… only for the Spanish tactician to sacked days later.
As has often been the case, Everton’s loss is Steven Gerrard’s gain.
Aston Villa signed Digne and were immediately repaid in the 28-year-old’s first away game when he provided the assist for the game’s only goal.
The venue? Goodison Park of course.
Narrative elements aside, Digne pouching ten points in his second game for his new club should put Dream Team gaffers on alert.
It’s been forgotten in recent months but he’s a excellent asset when at his best and in favour.
Few defenders have a more sophisticated left foot than Digne, as evidenced by his whipped corner converted by Emi Buendia (£2.8m) on Saturday.
Many Dream Team bosses will want to see more from him in a Villa shirt before rolling the dice – they may want to see more clean sheets from Gerrard’s men as well.
However, it could be a case of you-snooze-you-lose as the Villains have very favourable fixtures after the break.
Villa start February at home to Leeds, then travel to Newcastle, before hosting Watford on the 19th.
Only Norwich, Burnley, Wolves and Brighton have scored fewer goals than those three teams this season and so Digne’s chances of clean sheet points may never be greater – he also faces the Seagulls at the end of February.
Given those favourable match-ups, the France international could be considered a wise short-term option next month.
And the same logic applies to other Villa assets.
For those not keen on backing a defender, maybe Ollie Watkins (£4.0m) is a better fit?
The England forward will probably be disappointed with five goals in 18 league appearances this season but he’s generally looked more threatening than his numbers suggest.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Watkins scored three goals in February to balance his numbers.
Philippe Coutinho (£3.3m) is the fun option, a big name with an impressive Dream Team history who has already scored since his return to English shores.
Whatever way you look at, Villa’s February fixtures probably should be targeted in some capacity.
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