OPINION
Perhaps the ongoing struggles of Everton right back Seamus Coleman aren’t owed to a post injury slump but is merely the new normal for the 30-year-old?
The Republic of Ireland international has, apart from a few exceptions, been pretty poor since returning to the Toffees starting line up towards the end of October.
He’s retained his place, so manager Marco Silva can’t be too concerned, but it’s become clear that he’s not operating at the sterling level that he used to.
With that said, a January swoop for a right back to replace/provide competition for him is just what the doctor ordered at Goodison Park.
Jonjoe Kenny performed well earlier this season but clearly isn’t fancied by Silva, meaning that someone new will have to come in to spur Coleman on.
If a little competition doesn’t galvanise the Irishman sufficiently then the Everton mainstay should be dropped for the new recruit.
Coleman has been a fine servant to the Toffees over the years, but you do get the feeling that his time as an undisputed starter might have come and gone. There is precious little room for sentiment in modern day football, and that’s all that’s keeping the right back in the starting line up at this moment in time.
The Sun reported last month that Everton were eyeing a move for Crystal Palace star Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and he would be an ideal purchase for the Merseyside club.
The Eagles ace has impressed hugely at Selhurst Park this campaign and would be a tremendous addition for the Toffees. He would be the perfect successor to Coleman.
But if it’s not him it should be someone else. The point is that Coleman isn’t performing to a high enough level and something needs to be done in January.