Ireland boss Stephen Kenny was full of praise for Seamus Coleman after the Everton veteran impressed in a new role during Wednesday’s World Cup qualifying clash with Serbia, in quotes reported by the Irish Mirror.
Wayne Rooney spent most of his second spell at Goodison Park patrolling the midfield rather than leading the line.
With Coleman approaching his 33rd birthday, could another Everton captain take on a new role as he looks to extend his career at the top level?
The long-serving Toffee will not be a rampaging right-back forever and, during Ireland’s topsy-turvy 3-2 defeat to Serbia in midweek, Coleman showcased his impressive adaptability in a new-look centre-back position; one that makes the most of his leadership skills and positional sense while preserving his ageing legs.
“Seamus Coleman marshalled the defensive brilliantly,” Kenny said after the 57-capped veteran slotted in alongside Ciaran Clark and Dara O’Shea in an all-Premier League back three.
There is still life in the old dog yet of course – a fit and firing Coleman remains one of the most creative right-backs in Britain.
But if the Donegal-born defender wants to stay amongst the elite for as long as he possibly can, adapting to a new, slightly less strenuous role may be exactly what the doctor ordered.
Carlo Ancelotti has fielded a three-man backline on numerous occasions this season and it is not hard to imagine Coleman slotting in seamlessly alongside Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane.
Having said that, it is surely time for Everton to start thinking about finding a speedy youngster capable of replacing Coleman on the right-hand side. Max Aarons would certainly do the job.
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