Alan Shearer defends Seamus Coleman after Micah Richards slams his trophyless career
Alan Shearer believes Everton stalwart Seamus Coleman is one of the best bargain signings in the Premier League era.
The BBC pundit ranked him fourth on his list behind Jamie Vardy, Peter Schmeichel and Eric Cantona.
Micah Richards, by comparison, placed him ninth in his list but was rather disparaging of the contribution Coleman has made in his 12 years at Everton.
It could be argued that the Irishman has been the biggest bargain ever.
He was signed for just £60,000 [Evertonfc.com] and was totally unknown coming from Sligo Rovers, yet he has gone on to be one of the most consistent full-backs in the Premier League.
The trio Shearer lists ahead of Coleman cannot match his longevity, which has simply been remarkable.
And yet instead of praising the defender, Richards pointed out a flaw.
On the Match of the Day: Top 10 podcast, he said, “[Coleman] should probably be further down the list but he hasn’t won anything.
“I like my bargains to win something.
“In terms of consistency of performance he is right up there, but he doesn’t get the assists that Trent Alexander-Arnold or Andy Robertson get, so that’s why he wouldn’t be further down my list.”
Shearer quickly hit back at his colleague with a remark that hit the nail on the head.
“There isn’t any harm in not winning anything, Micah. He has had a serious injury, but the number of games he’s played for the fee says it all. The Everton fans love him,” replied Shearer.
To counter Richards’ point, Coleman has never won anything simply because he has been at Everton all this time.
He was easily good enough to play in a Premier League winning team.
Richards won the league at Manchester City in 2011/12, and Coleman is certainly better than he was.
They are both 32 and one is a pundit while the other is helping Everton fight for a top-four place.
Also, Coleman was one of the first real attacking full-backs in the Premier League and helped to revolutionise the role – now every top team must have attacking full-backs.
We think Coleman deserves a little more applause, and thankfully Shearer recognises how good he has been.
In other Everton news, Mark Lawrenson has predicted the outcome with our weekend clash against Brighton.
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