Every team needs a solid defensive back line and the Blues have a very good one. While some had wished that the club nailed down a center back during the transfer window after Kurt Zouma was not able to be retained from his loan spell from Chelsea, the Toffees have a lot to like. With that being said, let's take a look at the defensemen playing for Everton in 2019/20.
Mason Holgate
Holgate has always been looked at being a talented back who deserved a chance at starting. While the club has seemingly gone out and grabbed players, Holgate is excellent player for depth reasons and should be competent enough to step in when a player is injured. He is worthy of a starting role, but the Blues simply have more talented players to be in a starting role.
Leighton Baines
Baines is an Everton legend and sadly past his prime, but it doesn't hurt to have his veteran presence and he does provide some depth in case of injury or coming in as a substitute. He might not be the same player as he once was, but he does provide insurance and leadership as he is the captain of the squad.
Michael Keane
Keane is an excellent defender and is a rock solid presence in the center backs, but his biggest asset is his passing, which could come in handy in certain situations. He is also excellent at set pieces as he creates so many chances at the net. Keane might be one of the more underrated backs in the Premier League.
Lucas Digne
Digne is a left back who has a great leg and has the ability to score including creating scoring options, but he is also a standout defender. In a possession type of game, Digne is the type of player you want out there as he does well in those situations. Digne is slowly becoming one of the best in the world. Everton has an excellent left back in Digne.
Yerry Mina
The man tasked with replacing Zouma at center back, Mina will need to step in and show why Everton brought him in. Mina has a scouting report that many clubs would salivate over as he is a big presence and is very physical and if he is playing center back, that is a type of defender you want. That being said, his biggest issue is staying healthy, but if he can avoid getting hurt, he could be an excellent defender.
Djibril Sidibe
Coming over on loan from Monaco, Sidibe is an experienced and talented defender that will push for a starting role. He is an underrated player and provides another great option for Marco Silva, and he's only 27. His best asset is his passing and having his passing along with Keane's ability, it could help a lot out offensively.
Seamus Coleman
Coleman is a sad case as he was once a very talented and excellent defenseman, but injuries have hampered him and now he is being challenged for a starting role at right back. If Coleman can play to his ability, he is still a rock solid defender, but he needs to stay healthy. He is also a steady presence on the backline with his leadership as he is vice-captain of the squad.
Cuco Martina
It's a bit of a head scratcher as to why Martina is still on the team, but he does provide some depth at least. He is primarily a right back, but is versatile as he can play as a center back or in central midfield. He does have a strong right leg. That being said, Martina shouldn't get much playing time.
Projected starters
Digne-Mina-Keane-Coleman/Sidibe
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