At 31 years old, Lucas Digne is making a significant mark as one of the top left-backs in the Premier League, especially since his move to Aston Villa. Surprisingly, he continues to evolve in ways he hadn't anticipated, leading him to believe he could only rely on his experience moving forward.
Under the guidance of coach Unai Emery, Digne's transformation has been remarkable. The former Parisian now sees new heights in his game, a testament to Emery's coaching. "I thought I would just ride the wave of my experience, but the coach has enabled my growth, particularly through video analysis and heightened tactical discipline," Digne recounted in an interview. This approach has allowed him to refine aspects of his play that he previously took for granted.
Abdoulaye Doucouré, Digne's former teammate at Everton, has echoed these sentiments, asserting, "For me, he is in the top 3 left-backs, and this has been the case for several years now." Doucouré's assessment speaks volumes about the respect and recognition Digne has garnered among his peers.
The most significant adjustments in Digne's game have revolved around his defensive positioning. Emery's systematic emphasis on body orientation and defensive reading forced Digne to essentially relearn his craft. "The most crucial advice Coach Emery gave me was regarding my body orientation during defensive phases. He wants the full-back to always be looking towards the center-back to maintain a high line," Digne explains. "I had to relearn everything after fifteen years of playing in a different way. It took about three to four months for it to feel natural. It was a challenge, but I tackled it with success."
These adaptations have paid off: Digne ranks among the top ten full-backs in the Premier League this season with an impressive 25 interceptions. His defensive performance in the recent match against Liverpool, which ended in a 2-2 draw on February 19, showcased his enhanced capability in one-on-one duels, particularly in a standout moment against Mohamed Salah.
However, Digne notes a downside to how modern football evaluates defenders. "It’s unfortunate that defenders today are often judged primarily on their offensive contributions," he lamented. "A player can defend exceptionally throughout the match, but if they’re not delivering offensively, they might not earn high marks. But that’s football: the goal is to score, and when you score, you earn more points." Digne's advocacy for balancing offensive assistance with solid defense underscores his extensive experience on the pitch.
This season alone, Digne's stats reflect a dual focus. With four assists recorded this season and a total of 29 assists since arriving in the Premier League, he stands second only to Andrew Robertson in active left-backs for assists in the league. Following a match, Doucouré exclaimed, "Ah, Lucas and the 'assist'! I went up to him after our game against them and congratulated him on his assist. He thrives on those moments."
Recognizing the importance of assists, Digne has integrated additional training into his routine at Villa. After daily sessions, he often stays behind to practice with the coaching staff and fellow players to refine his technique. "I try to keep the act as relaxed as possible, ensuring my eyes aren't focused on my feet. It's more about how hard I hit the ball, the pace at which I move, and getting the timing just right," he said.
Adjusting to the English style of football has further sharpened Digne’s skillset. When asked what brings him greater satisfaction—making a key defensive intervention or helping with an assist—he reflected, "Both... On a defensive maneuver, the entire crowd rises as well. Because we’re in England, that’s part of my role. I am grateful to be able to contribute in both areas."
Digne acknowledges that his evolution hasn’t come without a conscious shift in mentality and work ethic. He embraced the intense competitive nature of the Premier League with the mentality that physicality often trumps finesse. "If you’re not good in duels in England, you can't survive. The pace of the game is rapid, and you can’t rely solely on technical abilities," he explained. His commitment to training with that intensity is palpable: "Lucas trains as he plays, and he hates losing," Doucouré smiled. "I’ve seen him make crunching tackles even in training. Sometimes I had to remind him to dial it back, to protect himself for the games."
Since arriving in England, Digne has undergone changes physically as well. He has gained between two and three kilos of muscle and continues to work on his lower body to enhance his explosiveness. "I focused heavily on leg and core strength but not with heavy loads since I wanted to maintain my agility and quickness. Power training has been a priority for me," Digne noted. Despite standing at just 1.78 meters, his aerial duel ranking places him among the top 65 players in his league, showcasing his ability to compete against various types of strikers he faces weekly.
Ultimately, these developments have contributed not just to Digne's club performance but have also revitalized his journey with the French national team. In a November match against Italy, he once again represented his country, after being recalled by Didier Deschamps. In October, Deschamps remarked, "He is committed to the national team despite not always experiencing joyful moments. He remains among the best in his position, and his ambition for a starting spot persists." It seems Digne's time could be arriving just as he feels his skills are peaking. "As long as you have passion, you continue to improve," he concluded, expressing confidence in his potential for future contributions on the pitch.
