Lucas Digne: Aston Villa star posts impressive stats in France win, giving Unai Emery selection headache
Lucas Digne impressed away from Aston Villa on Sunday as France beat Colombia 3-1 in the United States.
The left-back has found his position under threat in Unai Emery's team of late, with Ian Maatsen starting against Chelsea and Lille in the Europa League last 16.
The 32-year-old did return to the starting line-up against West Ham before the break, and he will hope to establish his place for the final games of the season.
The Villans remain in contention for the Europa League and will face Bologna in a two-legged quarter-final next month.
Villa's form has left their position in the Premier League's top four under doubt, although the win over West Ham has handed them a five-point buffer to Liverpool.
Lucas Digne impresses vs Colombia
Former scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider in February that Villa will consider selling Digne this summer, with Emery keen to upgrade in the position.
The defender has made 172 appearances for the Villans since joining from Everton in 2022, but has drawn frustration at times this season.
| Lucas Digne | vs Colombia |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Accurate passes | 35/46 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Successful dribbles | 1/2 |
| Clearances | 3 |
| Duels won | 3/6 |
His performance for France on Sunday suggested that there is still much in the tank for the 32-year-old, however.
Digne created a chance and two shots throughout the game, but it was his defensive work that caught the eye.
The left-back made three clearances, two interceptions and four recoveries as France squeezed Colombia.
Ironically, while the defender finds his position under threat at Villa Park, he will travel to the World Cup and could start for the two-time champions.
Theo Hernandez is expected to be Digne's biggest competition, but the 28-year-old must do much to impress while playing in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Hilal.
Is Digne back to his best?
Sunday's performance was Digne's second superb display in the space of a week. Against West Ham, he was excellent.
The left-back was up and down the flank throughout the game, creating chances and coming up with key contributions.
The 32-year-old won eight of his 10 duels and attracted huge acclaim for a brilliant performance in a vital game for the Villans.
Emery may well be hoping to keep Digne fit by rotating him with Maatsen, but his performances over the past week have shown that he still has plenty left to give.