Michael Ball calls for Everton captain Seamus Coleman to be dropped
Everton captain Seamus Coleman should be dropped by Rafa Benitez, says former Toffee Michael Ball.
The Irish right-back has come under fire for his performances in recent weeks, particularly in the 4-1 defeat to Liverpool and 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace.
This is Coleman’s 13th season at Goodison Park, having signed from Sligo Rovers for just £60,000 in 2009.
Writing in his latest column for the Liverpool Echo, Ball suggested that the 33-year-old’s time on Merseyside could be up.
“He has given absolutely everything for the shirt and we know how much he loves the club but he has made too many errors lately,” he said. “He is costing Everton matches.
“It is not directly his fault, at his age, but things are not going to plan and he is making mistakes. His decision-making has become really poor and Rafa Benitez might have to start looking elsewhere.
“We need to tighten up that backline. It is time to take Seamus out of the firing line. He will always give 110 per cent for the club but age catches up to everyone eventually.”
Turning sour
The debate around Coleman is a really difficult one because of how much he has given to Everton in his time at the club.
In many ways, he is the best person to have in the squad when times are tough because he is a true leader and understands more than anyone else the pain that fans are feeling.
But now the Republic of Ireland international is beginning to contribute to that pain and the last thing anyone wants is for things to turn sour in the latter stages of his time at Goodison Park.
He was at fault for Crystal Palace’s first and third goals on Sunday afternoon, giving the ball away on both occasions with naïve clearances.
The problem is that there is not really anyone in the current squad who can take his place at right-back, so Rafa Benitez will need to dip into the transfer market.
Ben Godfrey filled in when Coleman was injured earlier in the season but is naturally a centre-back, while Jonjoe Kenny does not seem to have much of a future at Goodison Park and is expected to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.
In other Everton news, Michael Owen has predicted the outcome of Thursday’s clash against Chelsea.
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