The pitfalls of modern football are well documented and Seamus Coleman believes it is increasingly difficult for young players to avoid them.
Everton defender Seamus Coleman has admitted to the Daily Mail that he is concerned about the influx of money into the modern game and the effect it has on the attitudes of young footballers.
The Republic of Ireland right-back endured a tough journey to the top level, struggling with homesickness after arriving at Goodison Park from his homeland as an unknown youngster in 2009 before evolving into the epitome of a modern full-back under David Moyes (below) and Roberto Martinez.
However, Coleman admits that the footballing world is a daunting one for young players and schemes should be put in place to prevent promising careers being destroyed by various pitfalls.
“It’s a big bad world out there in football and it’s easy for a young footballer to be sucked into a certain way of life,” the 27-year-old explained to the Daily Mail.
“If I see a footballer with a Louis Vuitton wash bag I wonder what that does to others. If you are the only young lad in the changing room without one then you feel that pressure that you need to go out and get one. Even if you don’t want one or even like one.
“That’s what I think is wrong with football. It’s completely wrong. [Young players] need protecting, good people looking after them.
“I just hate the thought of a young player in a dressing room feeling worried because seven of the lads have something that he doesn’t have.”
Celebrating his eighth year on Merseyside this season, Coleman is fast approaching veteran territory despite age being very much on his side.
Combining an all-action attacking approach with intelligent one-on-one defending, the Irish international’s status as one of the Premier League’s finest has seen him frequently linked with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea in recent years.
However, Coleman has stayed true to the club that afforded him an opportunity in the professional game, meaning there are few better examples for Everton’s next crop of starlets to learn from.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
