Leighton Baines recently spoke out about how he’s managed to maintain longevity in the Premier League, admitting he has to work harder than ever just to be anywhere near his physicality levels of old.
The 35-year-old has made six appearances in all competitions this season and has only been on the losing team once. Baines has impressed at left-back despite his advancing age and says a fear of failure motivates him to keep going.
He told Evertonfc: “One consistent for me is fear of failure and letting other people down. Even now, pushing myself, in case I’m needed. As a player, you can’t go, ‘Aw well, I don’t really play regularly anymore – I can switch off a bit’
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“I go the other way and say, ‘I’m not getting the games, and that’s where you get your match fitness, so what else can I do to replace that?’. I’m always working with the staff here. I’ll ask, ‘When is good for me to top-up some running, or it could be, ‘When is the best time to get in a bit of strength work?’.
“Other things come and go, but that fear of failure has been a constant. And it’s healthy. It’s not a negative thing.”
Despite playing second fiddle to Lucas Digne, Baines is more committed than ever to being ready when called upon by Carlo Ancelotti. Many may have felt the England international was finished at the top level this season, but he’s been a fantastic deputy to Digne and deserves another year at Goodison Park.
Leighton Baines is showing few signs of decline at 35, which might make the decision on whether to offer him another contract even harder.
Would you offer him an extension this summer? #EFC https://t.co/y5sfpus7Yf— Royal Blue Mersey (@RBMersey) March 3, 2020
Without a shadow of a doubt amazing pro..
— brian efc murphy (@murph19591959) March 3, 2020
Give him a 12 mth contract it’s a no brainer 👍
— Billy (@NSNO39) March 3, 2020
Yes 100%
— James (@efcjames1878) March 3, 2020
https://twitter.com/Otte_Writes/status/1234831383178203138?s=20
Should have an extension yes, but we should also be looking for a younger backup for Digne. Baines will have to settle for greatly reduced playing time.
— Alex (@the_alexplo) March 3, 2020
https://twitter.com/JohnTul49872059/status/1234815953692774402?s=20
https://twitter.com/Andy_B1997/status/1234812319647109120?s=20
https://twitter.com/Jaimeleblues_1/status/1234869591333052416?s=20
Give him another 12 months. Solid , dependable, great for squad , and can still great that bit of magic #Baines #efc
— Anwen Edwards 🏴🏳️🌈🇺🇦 (@AlfaLady) March 3, 2020
It’s telling that Everton released Phil Jagielka at the end of his contract last summer but opted to keep Baines. From his recent interview and when looking at his performances this season, he still has plenty to offer. Everton will need to locate cover at left-back for the long-term, but Baines can more than fill the void for now.