Everton identify Seamus Coleman successor
Everton view Torino right back Ola Aina as a successor to Seamus Coleman.
Without a doubt, Seamus Coleman has earned the status of an icon if not a legend at Everton. Coleman has been one of the most loyal players who would put everything on the line for the Toffees. The Irish international is in his tenth season at Goodison Park and has proved to be one of the best players in the last decade.
However, time waits for no man. Coleman arrived as a muscular youngster and has transformed into a veteran in the art of defending. The former Blackpool player is now 31 and even though he still has a lot to give to Everton, the club needs to plan for future after him.
One can definitely draw parallels from the stories of Seamus Coleman and Leighton Bines. These two full back masterminds have seen each other grow and excel and achieve an archetypal status at the club.
Seamus Coleman is entering the territory that Leighton Baines will be aware of. Despite being called a club legend, Baines is aware that he is past his prime and there are players who are streets ahead of him in the current day and age. With age, the battle scars are visible and the intensity drops, something Coleman may soon experience as is on the wrong side of 30.
Everton and their fans have a lot of sentiments attached to the 31 year old right back. But, the club hierarchy must have a strategy in place for life after him. According to Calciomercato, Torino right back Ola Aina could be headed to the Premier League as Everton have shown interest in signing the Nigerian.
The 23 year old was a former Chelsea academy graduate but moved to Italy in search of playing time and better progressing opportunities. The Nigerian has shown tremendous signs of development and continues to show immense potential which is why Everton have been keeping an eye on him.
Aina has not only proven defensively rock solid but also has polished himself in the offensive half. The 23 year old averages 1.4 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per 90 minutes in the defence whereas he averages 1.9 dribbles, 1.2 long balls and 0.9 crosses per game. (stats via whoscored)
Even though he’s played largely as a left wing back at Torino, his traditional position is of a right back. Ola Aina still needs refining and the Premier League will be the right place for him. Apart from the Toffees, West Ham also remains interested in the full back.
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"I want to keep good level of playing as long as I can. I feel like I am not really a kid anymore. I want to start winning trophies, titles and leagues, playing week in, week out. I want to maintain a level that people can look at and say that’s world class. A consistent level. (via HITC)"
The former Chelsea player aims of making it big and Premier League, the most followed league in the world will provide the best platform for it.
Ola Aina is available for £9 million which is a very reasonable price. The Toffees must sign him up as soon as this summer so that he has ample of time to adapt to the league and learn the skill from veteran Seamus Coleman himself. The transition must be smooth and not rushed, Aina must gain enough experience before being handed the responsibility a first team regular.
Next. Bernard’s future in doubt as Everton rival Manchester United for the English prodigy. dark
At £9 million, Ola Aina can prove to be a highway robbery and a perfect successor to Seamus Coleman. Marcel Brands must take aggressive steps to sign Aina before West Ham.