Everton ace Seamus Coleman blows away in Republic of Ireland win v Hungary
Everton ace Seamus Coleman featured as the Republic of Ireland claimed a 2-1 victory over Hungary in a friendly on Tuesday (4 June).
Norwich City’s Adam Idah scored the opener, still in form from his Celtic loan spell, before Adam Lang equalled up the scoring before half-time.
The Toffees right-back was involved in a scuffle with Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai, picking up a yellow card, with Troy Parrott finally firing home the winner in the second minute of added time in Dublin.
Balls.ie (4 June) awarded the 35-year-old a 7/10, impressed by his “initiative”, writing: “Playing on the right of the back three, Seamus Coleman was quite often the one who showed a bit of initiative in pushing Ireland further up the pitch in possession.
“He moved to wingback for the second half, where he did a very good job at cutting out the opposition threat down the left flank.
The Irish Sun (4 June) also handed Coleman a 7/10 rating, lauding his leadership skills on the pitch, writing: “Showed why he is so respected by his peers as he was quick in to back up Troy Parrott when he got into a row with Dominik Szoboszlai.”
Meanwhile, The Irish Independent (4 June) wrote: “On his 71st cap, the captain wasn’t afraid to step out from the back three to get Ireland going. Switched to right wing-back for the second half and performed defensive duties with aplomb.”
Everton defender Seamus Coleman impresses on international duty
The veteran’s future is currently up in the air at Goodison Park, but as one of his nation’s most important leaders, there is no doubt that he is still capable of performing on the big stage.
Of course, injuries have been a worry for Coleman in recent seasons but the full-back managed a full 90 minutes against Hungary without skipping a beat, even getting involved with a Merseyside rival.
With Coleman sometimes struggling in Sean Dyche’s system, preferring to play a back four, it is clear that the player looks more comfortable as a centre-back in a back three, adding more protection on the flanks.
Many fans will be desperate for him to put pen to paper on a new deal at Goodison Park. His voice as captain is one of the most important parts of his character, which will be key next season.
Coleman has already expressed his love for the Toffees as his contract continues to tick down, and he will likely decide on his future in the coming days or weeks.
In other Everton news, one star has “made it clear he wants to leave” Goodison Park this summer.
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