Everton predictions from Sean Dyche and Carlo Ancelotti may come true as Seamus Coleman hits a landmark.
Everton captain Seamus Coleman is 35 today, but he has more major milestones ahead of him.
Many happy returns to Seamus Coleman, who is 35 years old today. While the Everton captain is now eligible to play in the veterans league, he’ll be determined to demonstrate that he still has plenty of miles on the clock when it comes to operating in the world’s hardest domestic division.
Coleman is still recovering from the knee surgery he had after being stretchered off at Leicester City on May 1 – with a defiant salute to colleagues and supporters alike – and, while he hasn’t played in the Premier League since, he is without a doubt the best transfer ever in terms of sheer pound-for-pound value. For well over a decade, the “sixty grand” terrace shout has been a Blues song, and his small sum marks the best deal in modern football.
David Moyes used to say during his long tenure at Goodison Park that trying to persuade Everton to compete financially with the likes of petrodollar-fueled Manchester City was like bringing a knife to a gunfight. But the Scot must have been overjoyed when, in January 2009, he took a chance on a raw but promising potential from Ireland’s rugged Atlantic west coast, who was noticed by scout Michael Doherty, who was also seeing his son Sean play for Sligo Rovers. It took time to polish this rough diamond, including a loan spell at Blackpool, but Coleman, along with Leighton Baines on the opposite flank, who had arrived as the most expensive defender in Everton history at the time, revolutionised full-back play at the club and catapulted the position into the modern era, where those in the position are expected to be potent forces in the opposition half as well as providing wide support for their own centre-backs.
Coleman’s predecessor in the side, home-grown star Tony Hibbert, was an old school performer who played 329 games for Everton without scoring – a club record for an outfield player. In comparison, the man from Killybegs in County Donegal has found the goal 28 times, including seven times in Roberto Martinez’s first season in command.
While Coleman has now played under nine permanent Blues managers, each with their own set of styles and footballing beliefs – often vastly different from their predecessors – one constant has been their adoration for their number 23. Carlo Ancelotti projected that Coleman, like AC Milan legends Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Costacurta, will be able to continue playing at the top after the age of 40, comparing him to some of the other great captains he has managed.
“It is important for a manager to have in his squad a player who sets the standards really high,” the Italian added. Seamus serves as a model for the others. In this regard, he is comparable to John Terry, Paolo Maldini, and Sergio Ramos, all of whom serve as role models for their teammates.”
In his first press conference as Blues manager, Rafael Benitez made a point of mentioning the Irishman, saying, “He is an inspiration for everyone.” He is an excellent professional. He is quite beneficial to me. He has the potential to be an important player. I enjoy him both as a player and as a person.”
Frank Lampard, one of the most accomplished English footballers of his generation and a perennial winner with Chelsea during his own career, declared Coleman to be “the best man I’ve ever met.” When the right-back returns to fitness, he only needs three more games to break his former teammate Tim Howard’s record of 354 Premier League appearances for Everton, but his current manager feels he can go much longer.
“Seamus has been terrific and the word that is used a lot in my first experience of him is model pro,” Sean Dyche stated before of Coleman’s 400th appearance for the Blues last season. He is an Everton legend and will remain for many years to come, not just because of his years of service, but also because of the way he is regarded by the club’s fans.
“He has a very good and healthy demand, and he uses his voice and experience with the players well.” It’s not outrageous, but he does demand.
“He has a demanding demeanor about him, he trains fantastically well, and I thought he was excellent against Arsenal (Dyche’s first game in charge),” said Dyche. And he still has that advantage.
“I’ve never given much thought to my age.” It is if you have the edge to go out there and play.
“He still has that competitive edge, which is very important.” As long as the players are strong and healthy, this can keep them living for a long period.”
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