OPINION
Everton right back Seamus Coleman produced one of his worst performances in recent memory against Manchester United on Sunday.
The Republic of Ireland international, on a reported £38,000-per-week at Goodison Park [Source: Spotrac], was woeful in the 2-1 defeat to the Red Devils as he struggled to cope with United goalscorer Anthony Martial.
The 30-year-old has not looked like his old self since returning from injury recently and, with Jonjoe Kenny shining in his absence, Coleman should face a spell on the substitutes bench until he’s back up to speed.
Kenny deserves to continue the run of games he was on prior to Coleman’s return. He played five games in a row in all competitions before missing out on the match day squad in the last two Premier League fixtures, and it was cruel of Silva to take his place away.
It was bizarre to see the 21-year-old not even make the squad for Everton’s last two games, because he was playing well prior to the Crystal Palace game. It’s not as if Kenny was struggling at Premier League level; he looked comfortable in the majority of his appearances.
With Coleman now entering the latter stage of his career it is vital that Marco Silva starts examining his options in regards to the Irishman’s long term replacement – which includes swinging the axe after his diabolical display against the Red Devils.
Kenny could be that man if given a consistent run of games. He provides plenty of energy on the right hand side and, as a homegrown player, clearly cares about the club hugely.
It’s definitely a good idea for Silva to see if Kenny is able to make the step up once Coleman’s time is over. The youngster has shown some encouraging signs thus far, but the Toffees boss won’t know if he’s capable of adopting the position long term until he’s given a couple of months or so of consistent game time.
That’s what the right back needs at the moment and, with Coleman visibly struggling, the timing is perfect for Kenny to be handed the reigns at Goodison Park.