Everton have confirmed on their official website that they have signed AS Monaco right-back Djibril Sidibe on a loan deal for the 2019-20 campaign. The Toffees have also disclosed that they have the option to buy him permanently when his loan spell expires next summer (via evertonfc.com).
Djibril Sidibe’s Solid Career In The French Top-Flight
The French defender is a product of ES Troyes AC’s academy who went on to feature in their first-team back in 2011. LOSC Lille opted to move in for Sidibe in the summer transfer window of 2012 where he rose to prominence by putting in some eye-catching displays at the back. The 27-year-old appeared in a total of 119 matches for Lille, registering 11 goals while creating seven assists on all fronts.
The AS Monaco chiefs were impressed by his commanding displays and decided to bring him to Stade Louis II in the summer of 2016. The French talent has featured in 114 matches for the Ligue 1 giants so far, scoring six goals while providing 21 assists across multiple competitions. He was in terrific form defensively after he averaged 1.9 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 1.8 clearances per game in the top tier of France last season (stats via whoscored).
Sidibe has also secured 18 international caps for France and has scored one goal in the process. He was a part of the great French team that lifted the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia last summer.
What Will The European Defensive Ace Bring To Merseyside?
Sidibe is moderately paced and can make some darting runs down the right flank. He is primarily a right-back but is versatile enough to play at left-back or in a more advanced role on the right-wing. The Frenchman is an accurate passer and can open up the opposition defence with a killer pass in the final third.
The Troyes-born prospect is a capable defender inside his own half as he can work his socks off for his team and make some crucial interceptions at the back. He can also win a lot of 50-50 aerial duels as he has remarkable upper-body strength and leaping ability.
Sidibe’s acquisition will undoubtedly bolster Marco Silva’s defensive options significantly at Goodison Park. He will provide some much-needed competition for Seamus Coleman at the Merseyside club following Jonjoe Kenny’s departure on loan earlier this summer. There is no doubt that Sidibe is talented but whether he can handle the expectation of playing in the Premier League week in week out, remains to be seen.
