“Rickie Lambert Drops BOMBSHELL: Everton’s Secret Left-Footed Wizard Leaves Messi in the Dust!”
Everton have been blessed with an array of gifted left-footed players throughout their history.
Romelu Lukaku is often the first name that comes to mind when thinking of Everton’s most lethal finishers, having established himself as a Premier League powerhouse during his four years at Goodison Park.
Duncan Ferguson is another standout, sitting second behind Lukaku in Everton’s all-time Premier League scoring charts.
Among the current crop, Jarrad Branthwaite has impressed with his composure and strong left foot, but former striker Rickie Lambert believes one ex-Everton defender possessed the finest left foot he has ever witnessed.
Speaking to That’s Football, Lambert was asked to build his “perfect footballer” from former teammates.
For the right foot, he chose Steven Gerrard; for pace, Daniel Sturridge; for skills, Philippe Coutinho; for free-kicks, Wayne Rooney; and for footballing intelligence, Adam Lallana.
When it came to the left foot, he picked Leighton Baines without hesitation.
Lambert, who played alongside Baines for England, was full of admiration for the former Everton full-back’s flawless technique and delivery.
Back in 2014, then-Everton manager Roberto Martinez also heaped praise on Baines, describing him as one of the best left-backs in Europe.
“As a left-back, I’ve always said he is among the best in European football,” Martinez said.
“When the season becomes tighter and players start to tire, Leighton stands out because of his strength and consistency.
Despite a few setbacks, I believe he can always finish a campaign phenomenally.”
Baines eventually retired in 2020 after a stellar career, amassing 420 appearances for the Toffees.
During that time, he scored 39 goals and provided 64 assists, cementing his legacy as one of the most technically gifted defenders in Premier League history.
