Everton enjoyed a 1-0 win over Burnley on Boxing Day and Djibril Sidibe was one of many players to come away with praise for his performance. The 27-year-old started in a makeshift right wing-back role in Carlo Ancelotti’s first game in charge and deliverered a man-of-the-match performance.
Sidibe was dominant in the air, frequently turned over possession, created numerous chances for his teammates, whipped in a lot of balls into the box and assisted the winning goal for Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Supporters lauded his contribution over the 90 minutes on social media.
Good solid performance from Everton. Thought each player put a shift in and we dominated the whole game without too many clear cut chances. Decision making in some positions could be better. Sidibe is quality! The lad can cross a ball! #EFC
— Morgan (@MorganEFC) December 26, 2019
Good win that, made hard work of it but definitely the better team. Sidibe, Coleman and Mina all excellent, onwards and upwards now #EFC
— James Aldred (@jamesaldred99) December 26, 2019
A thoroughly deserved win for #EFC. #Burnley made us work very hard but ultimately only one team were trying to win. Holgate extremely impressive along with Mina, Sidibe, Delph & Seamus. Bernard & Richarlison impacting the game far more playing centrally.
On to Saturday! #COYB— Mike Peters (@djmikepeters) December 26, 2019
Get in. Top win that. Feels like we’ve turned a corner. Thought Coleman,
Sidibe and Bernard were all great. Need abit more quality in the last third. Happy Boxing Day #EFC— Nick Jones (@nickjones314) December 26, 2019
Only one real winner today. Take a bow, Djibril Sidibe! #EFC #EVEBUR https://t.co/KmbpafAJdb pic.twitter.com/807fgZpqf3
— Everton FC news (@ClickEverton) December 26, 2019
Plenty of today. Sidibe brilliant, Holgate impressive, DCL scoring again.
We just really need a creative midfielder that isn’t passive, that can pass through lines and create big chances. #EFC
— Scott Morris (@Scott_MorrisEfc) December 26, 2019
https://twitter.com/MattJFootball/status/1210245278210633731?s=20
This man was immense today✊🏻 pic.twitter.com/Suq03dQaFq
— 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀 (@EvertonNewsFeed) December 26, 2019
Against Burnley, Sidibe made 62 touches, won four aerial duels, created three chances, had two shots with 50% accuracy, completed 79% of his 38 passes, whipped in five crosses, made three tackles, drew one foul, made one interception and made one successful dribble.
Since joining on loan from AS Monaco, the 27-year-old has been a regular for Everton in the last two months, featuring in 11 of their last 12 Premier League games. Everton have the option to buy Sidibe permanently for £12m and could consider meeting his release clause given the impact he’s had at Goodison Park.