Farhad Moshiri masterclass as Seamus Coleman says free Everton signing has been their best player this season

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Everton captain Seamus Coleman came back into the starting XI on Boxing Day for the game against Manchester City.

The Ireland international was called upon by Sean Dyche, with Ashley Young serving a one-game suspension.

Coleman did suffer an injury concern in the draw at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday but is expected to make the squad for Nottingham Forest.

There have been a number of standout performers for the Toffees this season despite their underwhelming campaign, on the whole.

But there is one who has stood out to Coleman in the opening 17 games of their Premier League campaign.

• READ MORE: Another Farhad Moshiri disaster as £22m player praised for his improvement since leaving Everton

Seamus Coleman has been wowed by Everton’s Ashley Young

The free signing, Young, dominated Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli just a matter of weeks ago in north London as Everton secured another draw.

And speaking to the Everton website, Coleman has admitted he’s been left so impressed with what he has seen from the 39-year-old this season.

“I’ve been back a few weeks now, and listen, Ashley has been, in my opinion, one of our better players this season,” said Coleman.

“He’s been absolutely exceptional. I had a little joke with him about that he could have given me an easier game to come in for instead of Man City away!

“But he’s been great, and I’ve just been working hard in training, and I think at this level, you’ve always got to be ready because you never know when you could be needed.”

In the recent win over Wolves, Young received a round of applause from his teammates in the Everton dressing room.

Despite his age, Young has turned out to be one of the key players in Dyche’s starting XI this season with Coleman clearly left in awe.

• READ MORE: ‘Brilliant’ Everton player makes it clear he wants to leave in January with offer ready to be submitted

Nathan Patterson needs January exit from Everton

The form of Young has kept youngster Nathan Patterson out of the side following his return from injury earlier in the season.

Patterson is wanting to leave Everton in January with clubs from the Championship and his former side Rangers keen on the Scotsman.

With no route into the side, even when Young is suspended, it has to be a telling sign for Patterson that he needs to move on to play regular football.

But that is testament to the form which Young has shown this season as he continues to prove he was worth the gamble taken on signing a player of his age.