Roberto Martinez
Roberto Martinez recently expressed his admiration for Seamus Coleman, who played a crucial role in the Republic of Ireland’s match against Portugal. Despite the match ending in a last-minute defeat for Ireland, with Ruben Neves scoring a stoppage-time winner for Portugal, Coleman’s performance was noteworthy. The Everton captain played 86 minutes of the game, contributing significantly to Ireland’s defensive efforts before being substituted.
Roberto Martinez said: “How long have you got – I think with Seamus I could speak for hours? In that season, 2013, in my opinion, he was the best right back in the Premier League by a mile. He is somebody who has got this incredible capacity to arrive in the final third, to defend one-v-one situations. And that leadership, it made him captain material from the first day. I love him, I love working with him. He was really demanding, somebody that you could see his evolution during the season and I have been very proud of seeing his career and to see him still at Everton, still being an important part of a club in the Premier League and then now still being in the national camp.”
The match was not only a test of skill for Coleman but also a reunion with Martinez, who has always been vocal about his respect for the player. Coleman’s leadership and defensive prowess have been consistently highlighted by Martinez, who managed him during his time at Everton. This admiration is shared by David Moyes, who initially brought Coleman to Everton from Sligo Rovers. Moyes has emphasized Coleman’s invaluable leadership and influence, both on and off the pitch.
David Moyes said: “Seamus is more than just a player at Everton. He offers so many different qualities. His leadership, his professionalism and his humanity are second to none. He’s helped carry the club through some difficult periods in the past few years and his influence in the dressing room has been key to that. He’s had to deal with some really difficult injuries, too, but he has done that and still been able to help inspire inside the dressing room at the same time. This could be a period of real change at the club and I want somebody who can help deliver the messages of what it means to be an Everton footballer. Seamus has always done that and I know he will continue to do so as we move into a new era.”
Coleman, who recently turned 37, remains a pivotal figure at Everton, particularly as the club navigates a transitional phase. His contract extension in the summer was a testament to his enduring value to the club. Both Martinez and Moyes have underscored his role in maintaining the club’s ethos and guiding the team through challenging times. As Everton embarks on a new chapter, Coleman’s experience and leadership will be critical in shaping the future of the club.
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