Seamus Coleman says £20m Everton player is ‘emerging as a leader’ within the squad

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Everton are sorely missing Seamus Coleman’s wisdom on the pitch at the moment.

After all, whilst the 35-year-old has seen his physicality wane in recent years, his importance to the side has barely changed.

A loyal and intelligent leader who makes up for his lack of speed with clever positioning, Goodison Park always prefers to see him starting rather than some of the alternatives.

However, there’s no doubt that in his recent absence, he has remained as vocal as ever in the dressing room.

He has even now come out to praise one of his teammates publicly.

Seamus Coleman full of praise for Dwight McNeil

It seems that Dwight McNeil is not short of supporters from within the club, especially after the stunning start to the new season he has enjoyed.

A tally of three goals and two assists in the Premier League was always likely to draw praise.

However, ever the cynic, Dyche has still told McNeil what he must improve to continue this rapid progression.

Seamus Coleman is the latest to provide his insight on the former Burnley attacker, but was far more openly complimentary than the Everton manager.

The club captain told the Liverpool ECHO: ‘We all know at Everton what Dwight has got in his locker and his two goals were top drawer. He is enjoying the more central role he has been given and he’s emerging as a leader in the pack, always keen to take responsibility and get himself, and us, on the ball.’

When will Seamus Coleman be back from injury?

Whilst the £20m McNeil might be the main topic of conversation for those seeking to discuss Everton, it is also worth noting how Coleman is getting on.

After all, he is one of many absentees in that right-back position, with Ashley Young and even James Garner having to fill in of late.

Dyche will desperately want his captain back fit and playing again, if at the very least to provide some much-needed balance to the side.

However, with just one Premier League appearance to his name this campaign, that seems unlikely.

Starting in Everton’s 3-2 collapse at home to AFC Bournemouth, Coleman was injured for Ireland once again during the subsequent international break.

However, Dyche provided a fitness update on Coleman just last week, suggesting: ‘‘Coleman is a bit longer as well. Not too much longer, we’re a bit hopeful over this international period he gets closer.’