Goodison Analysis: Coleman proves worth in impressive attacking display
Seamus Coleman must have counted himself unfortunate to be substituted when Everton faced Crystal Palace on Monday, with the Irishman rolling back the years.
Everton’s club captain was in fine form against the Eagles, both offensively and defensively, and it was only after he had left the pitch that the Blues conceded a late equalising goal.
The Liverpool Echo handed Coleman an 8/10 match rating, level only with goalscorer James Rodriguez, with the 32-year old full-back demonstrating his effectiveness under Carlo Ancelotti.
According to stats by WyScout, Coleman made four progressive runs against Roy Hodgson’s side, while he also managed three successful dribbles and four total crosses.
The former Sligo Rovers ace could have had a number of assists to his name against Palace, with his offensive play top notch throughout.
Coleman presented Richarlison with the first of his many missed opportunities after 20 minutes at Goodison Park, taking a step inside Patrick van Aanholt before floating a perfect cross onto the Brazilian’s head.
The 23-year old could only head high and wide however, despite facing very little physical resistance from Palace’s defence.
Shortly after that Coleman put his fine crossing ability to good use one again, catching hold of a loose ball with a half-volley directly into the path of Rodriguez.
Rodriguez controlled the ball perfectly, however his acrobatic attempt unfortunately sailed over Vicente Guaita’s crossbar.
Coleman finally got his assist shortly before the hour mark, playing a vital role in Rodriguez goal for the Blues.
Lucas Digne fizzed a ball across Palace’s box for Gylfi Sigurdsson to strike, but Guaita met it well, deflecting the ball out of the reach of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Coleman prevented the ball from going out of play and, upon turning with possession, was patient in distributing the ball with Rodriguez onrushing.
The Irishman bided his time well and calmly rolled the ball to the Colombian playmaker, whose guided shot found its way inside the near-post.
It is no secret that Everton are in the market for a new long-term right-back this summer, with Mason Holgate having failed to convince as an unorthodox full-back.
Coleman, now on the wrong side of 30, is someone who Everton need to find a long-term successor for, with Norwich City’s Max Aarons seemingly a prime candidate.
However, Coleman proved against Palace that he is far from finished, and while he might not be Everton’s first-choice to line up in defence, he deserves more credit than he currently receives.
In other Everton news, the Blues could be willing to take a significant loss on £135k-per-week ace as summer exit looms.
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