Rafa Benitez’s spell at Everton was very short-lived.
From the get-go, Everton fans didn’t get on board with the appointment of Rafa Benitez due to his strong Liverpool connection.
It turned out to be a disastrous six-and-a-half months for the Spaniard, as he left the Toffees in a relegation battle.
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James Tarkowski of Everton celebrates after his goal stands following a VAR review as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah of Liverpool look dejected during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC.
Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine
Thankfully, Frank Lampard managed to narrowly steer the club away from relegation, but the effects of Benitez’s reign are still felt to this day.
Here’s why.
Everton left-back Lucas Digne.
Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images
Rafa Benitez’s decision to sell Lucas Digne is still costing Everton
Benitez fell out with Lucas Digne during the 2021/22 season, so he decided to sanction his sale to Aston Villa in the January transfer window.
Digne, speaking back in 2022, reflected on that period: “The relationship we had was not good. It was complicated to be excluded from the group for a month.
“It was an unprecedented situation in my career. But I had my family and my teammates with me.”
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Since then, the Frenchman has continued to be one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, helping Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.
Digne has racked up an impressive 20 assists in 127 appearances; how Everton could’ve done with those numbers.
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Richarlison of Everton celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton. James Tarkowski of Everton celebrates after his goal stands following a VAR review during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool.
Credit: Getty Images/Phil Noble – Pool/Alex Pantling
Instead, the Toffees have Vitalii Mykolenko, who is widely considered a big weak point in Moyes’ side.
Mykolenko has been very error-prone this term, and he just doesn’t offer enough going forward.
The Ukraine international has registered just four assists for Everton, which is a far cry from Digne’s output.
If time could be rolled back, Everton probably wouldn’t have green-lighted Benitez’s decision to sell Digne.
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