Hit or miss? Assessing Djibril Sidibe’s Everton career so far after summer arrival

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Everton were in dire need of a right back to provide competition and cover for captain Seamus Coleman last season and one duly arrived in the summer, in the shape of loanee Djibril Sidibe.

The 27-year-old now has a chance to shine, with Coleman suspended after being sent off for two bookable offences last time out against Burnley.

But does his form so far indicate he’ll take it? The second international break of the season provides the ideal time to assess his Goodison Park so far…

What’s the background?

Sidibe joined in August on a season-long loan deal from Ligue 1 outfit Monaco (BBC) and Everton have the option to buy the Frenchman at the end of the campaign.

Marco Silva said at the time: “It is important to have different options in each position and with Djibril and Seamus, we now have two high-quality right-backs. Djibril has also shown to me he has a real desire to play for Everton and be part of the big things we are trying to create.”

How’s he looked so far?

Sidibe has had to be content with EFL Cup outings on the whole so far, playing 90 minutes in both the away wins against Lincoln City and Sheffield Wednesday (Transfermarkt).

He made his Premier League bow at Turf Moor following Coleman’s dismissal but the glimpses the Toffees fans have had so far have left them wanting to see more of him.

It’s tough dislodging the club captain but Sidibe has that opportunity now and Coleman’s form before his red card has not been so good that the Frenchman should find it impossible to usurp him.

Hit or miss?

Sidibe has all the makings of a hit; a player of good experience, on a good deal in a position where Everton needed improving.

The challenge will be getting past Coleman but his EFL Cup performances have shown enough to suggest he can take it against West Ham next time out. If he does that, Silva may have a new first choice right back.