Alan Shearer singles out Conor Coady for fixing an ‘area of weakness’ at Everton
Alan Shearer piled the praise on Conor Coady after his performance versus Southampton for fixing an important issue at Everton.
Coady has become an instant favourite at Goodison Park since arriving from Wolves in the summer, with his composure and leadership at the back proving invaluable for the Toffees.
He’s helped Everton to a six-match unbeaten streak, with the 2-1 win over Southampton marking back-to-back wins for Frank Lampard’s side.
But it isn’t just Everton fans raving about Coady’s talent – Alan Shearer singled him out for praise on Match of the Day and believes he’s fixed a major issue for Lampard.
“You know what you’re going to get from him. He’s a leader, he’s an organiser, he’s a talker,” said Shearer via Match of the Day (1 October, 1:04:45)
“It’s been an area of weakness that centre-half position where they’ve had problems with [Yerry] Mina, [Mason] Holgate, [Michael] Keane, [Ben] Godfrey.
“They hadn’t really found that key combination but with him and Tarkowski alongside him they look solid.”
Key player
In a matter of weeks, Coady has made himself one of the first names on the Everton teamsheet.
His organisation skills and leadership are blatantly clear, and he’s not only improved the back four on a personal basis but he’s also elevated the other defenders at the club.
Both Coady and Tarkowski look comfortable on the back foot and have enough experience to not get flustered when the side goes behind.
That was evident on Saturday. Despite going a goal down against the Saints, the side bounced back superbly, with Coady at the centre of the comeback.
The entire team’s defensive efforts have improved since his arrival and making him a permanent signing as soon as possible will be top of Evertonian’s wishlists.
Shearer is right to point out Everton’s troubles at centre-back, but Lampard seems to have got it spot on with both Coady and Tarkowski. The longer the club can keep that duo at Goodison Park the better.