Everton started the season on fire, topping the Premier League and getting into the last eight of the EFL Cup.
Then injuries and suspensions bit and the Toffees slipped to three straight Premier League defeats before the international break.
During the pause, Lucas Digne has been off playing for France, with the world champions gearing up to add the European Championship to their collection this summer.
He told the club’s official website that he wants to be a Champions League player and that he believes that’s what the club is aiming at too.
“The club did well in the transfer market. We are a good group of players – and have a great manager with amazing experience in top football.
“It is an exciting time to be in Everton right now. We will get back to our best and will be a strong team this season.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
“Everton have ambitions to play in the Champions League, and so do I. There is no doubt that we aim for Europe.”
Digne is 27 now, coming into his prime, with international experience – it’s no surprise he wants to be playing in the Champions League.
He’s played 25 times in Europe’s elite club competition for Lille, PSG, Roma and Barcelona.
That’s the level his considerable talents deserve to be displayed on and that’s where Everton need to be aiming for.
This is a season in which many sides can mount a challenge for Europe – it looks like being a strange campaign.
If Everton can get back on track after the international break, Digne’s European dream is a possibility.
Nigel Martyn speaking to Everton News: Archive