There’s no doubt about it: Seamus Coleman is an Everton legend. When Everton bought him for dirt cheap almost two decades ago, nobody could have predicted that he would become the mainstay of a team that has gone through so much.
With his performance in the EFL Cup against Mansfield Town, Coleman has now played for Everton in 17 consecutive seasons, which is a new record for an outfield player while also tying Neville Southall’s all-time record for the Toffees. Coleman played a great game, winning six ground duels, three aerial duels, and completing 45 passes.
It’s no mystery that Coleman has struggled with fitness in recent years, which has brought down his value and minutes on the field. His last full 90 was last August, so the fact that he went 90 minutes is a very encouraging sign for Everton’s right back depth.
There’s obviously no way that Coleman becomes a regular contributor in the Premier League, but if Jake O’Brien and James Garner are unavailable, with Nathan Patterson likely going out on loan to Sevilla, Coleman could be called upon in emergency situations.
Everton have drawn Wolves away in the next round of the EFL Cup, and it’ll be interesting to see if Coleman gets another start or sub appearance.
But no matter what, Coleman has once again etched his name in Everton’s history books. And, it’s good to see it happen at such an encouraging time for the football club. If anyone deserves to see this club rise from the ashes, it’s Coleman.