The 29-year-old took the captain’s armband due to Jagielka’s suspension.
Everton secured their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory over Southampton at Goodison Park on Saturday with Seamus Coleman taking the captain’s armband in the absence of Phil Jagielka.
The Englishman was shown a straight red card in the Toffees’ season opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers, receiving a three-match ban which will also see him miss their next Premier League game against Bournemouth and their EFL Cup tie with Rotherham United next Tuesday.
Jagielka’s suspension left Marco Silva with a decision to make about who to give the captaincy to, and by opting for Coleman he may have indicated his future plans.
Having made 405 appearances for the club and worn the armband on multiple occasions previously, Leighton Baines would perhaps have been the obvious choice, especially in the short term.
By choosing Coleman, however, it appears Silva may be preparing for a time in the near future when neither Baines or Jagielka are in his first eleven.
The arrival of centre-backs Kurt Zouma and Yerry Mina and left-back Lucas Digne in the summer transfer window has brought the veteran defenders’ positions into some doubt, whereas Coleman remains the club’s best right-back by some distance.
By opting to give the 29-year-old experience with the armband now, Silva may feel he has more freedom to pick the players he feels are his best defenders, rather than being concerned about leaving his side without leaders.
Whatever the case, the quality of defenders at the Portuguese’s disposal should make Everton fans hopeful that it could be an exciting season ahead.
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