Patrick Boyland of The Athletic has praised Leighton Baines following Everton’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United.
The England international – who was making just his third Premier League start of the campaign – impressed against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men with a solid performance at Goodison Park.
Baines – formerly of Wigan Athletic – made three key passes against United, which was more than any other Everton player managed to register.
The left-back also had more touches of the ball than any of his teammates with 66.
Furthermore, Everton’s No.3 completed two tackles and two interceptions, while also recording two clearances against the side from Old Trafford.
What did he say?
Boyland tweeted: “Can’t believe I missed him off at first. Class act. Again.”
Justifying Everton’s summer decision
The 35-year-old actually found himself out of contract when last season came to a close.
However, despite his advanced years, the Toffees handed him a new one-year deal instead of signing a fresher option to compete with Lucas Digne for the left-back spot.
He may only have made five Premier League appearances to date this term, but if his display against Manchester United is anything to go by, Baines is proving that he is still a competent member of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad and can definitely perform to a good enough level when called upon.
From non-League to the Premier League: Where did these top-flight stars begin their careers?
Even though he is just five years from his 40th birthday, the Premier League icon rolled back the years with a vintage display against the Red Devils on Sunday, on an afternoon where Everton could’ve come away with all three points had VAR not intervened for Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s late effort.
In other news, see how Dominic Calvert-Lewin reacted after watching his disallowed goal…