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The Everton player whose performances have not been up to scratch – opinion

Seamus Coleman was announced as the Everton captain at the start of this season and kept new signing Djibril Sidibe at bay. However, recently the roles have been reversed and Coleman is fighting to earn back his spot in the starting XI.

Since his red card at Burnley, a game that they subsequently went on to lose 1-0, the Irishman has not started a Premier League game.

What must the fan favourite do to earn back his spot?

When the French international signed for Everton from Monaco, he was not signed as back up for Coleman. He was brought in as competition and very strong competition at that. So much so, that it looks as if he has become Marco Silva’s first-choice right-back.

This is not something that is out of the ordinary for Silva. Lucas Digne quickly replaced Leighton Baines at the start of last season, but it is difficult to right Coleman off.

If he is to gain his spot back, he needs to make the most of the opportunities he is given. Last week he was substituted on in the second half to help salvage something from the game but he did not have the desired impact and also received a yellow card, again alluding to his poor discipline this season. Sky Sports rated his performance a five.

This is the opposite result Coleman would have been wishing for when attempting to earn back his place. His involvement does suggest that Silva sees his captain as a better attacking option than Sidibe, but when they have been so poor defensively this season, it is hard to justify Coleman’s selection if he cannot avoid receiving cautions?

Who’s been better?

When comparing the two we must remember Sidibe has featured fewer times than Coleman. However, the stats show that although Coleman has had more attempts at goal, their involvement in creating chances is similar. They have both assisted once but Coleman has scored once as well.

However, Sidibe has only been dispossessed three times compared to Coleman’s six. Also, defensively Coleman has only won seven tackles in nine games whereas Sidibe has won 17 in seven.

Silva’s conundrum

Marco Silva has plenty to think about and his squad selection is one of his biggest issues. In a bid to concede fewer goals it appears he prefers the Frenchman, who seems to be more involved defensively than Coleman is. But, does dropping your captain from the team work?

While Coleman is not cutting the mustard right now, he always has in the past and he will be keen to get a few more chances to prove his worth to Silva but he may be having to prove himself to a new manager before he knows it.

 

 

 

 

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