Football
ESPN staff 9y

Leighton Baines, Everton Premier League Rank, No. 34

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ESPN FC is counting down the top 50 players in the Premier League right now, as voted for by various columnists, editors and analysts. Who makes the cut? Disagree with our list? Tell us on Twitter using the hashtag #PremRank.

Why Leighton Baines makes the list

Everton have struggled to hit top gear consistently in recent months, and some observers have suggested a dip in form from their dynamic full-backs Baines and Seamus Coleman has been at the root of their problems. Everton's fifth-place finish last season was driven by the pace and power offered by Baines and Coleman down the flanks, with the former's stunning ability to score vital goals from free kicks and penalties helping him to cement a spot in the England starting lineup for last summer's World Cup finals.

Even if Baines has not been at his best this season, his importance to the Everton side cannot be underestimated, both as a leader on the pitch and a central figure in the style of play being promoted by manager Roberto Martinez. His lack of goals in recent months has been due, in part, to Everton's failure to win penalties, which is evidence of their dipping performances in a season in which Europa League football may have disrupted their domestic ambitions.
- Kevin Palmer

The stats that tell the story

- His 70 chances created this season were 34 more than any other Everton player and are most in the Premier League by a defender.
- Tied for sixth in the Premier League with nine assists this season, and he now has 46 Premier League assists, most ever by a defender.

What the experts say

"Baines is a more consistent crosser [than Luke Shaw] from the left, and also an intelligent passer." - Michael Cox

"If Baines can sustain anything close to his current form, then he may be challenging the likes of Silva and Co. at the top of said assist leaderboard before too long. The fact that he's presently anywhere near the top of the pile, let alone fourth, remains an unbelievable achievement for a player of his position." - WhoScored.com


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