Is Seamus Coleman good enough to play for Arsenal?
His performance in Everton’s vital 2-1 win over the Gunners on Tuesday night suggests so. Coleman was excellent.
The Republic of Ireland captain scored the Toffee’s equaliser and kept Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain quiet with an aggressive, attacking display.
Coleman wouldn’t look out of place for Arsenal or any of the Premier League’s top teams, and that’s been the case of a while.
Yet, each transfer window passes and the richer clubs in the division fail to make a move for the player, despite his obvious talent and track record in the Premier League – we’re looking at you Manchester United.
Whereas it’s difficult to comprehend why United have often used Ashley Young at full-back, but have never made an effort to sign Coleman, we can understand why Arsenal didn’t move for Coleman, despite the efforts of David O’Leary.
The former Leeds United and Aston Villa manager, who is currently an ambassador for Arsenal, the club he made 722 appearances for, revealed that he tried to get the Gunners to sign Coleman.
However, Arsenal were well-stocked for right-backs.
“Seamus Coleman has been as good a full-back as anyone for a long, long time,” O’Leary said on 2fm’s Game On.
“I was trying to push him Arsenal’s way but we had a young lad coming through, [Hector] Bellerin.”
While Coleman is undoubtedly one of the best full-backs around, Hector Bellerin is also an excellent player and capable of being world class one day.
O’Leary questioned why Manchester United didn’t sign Coleman in 2013, following Alex Ferguson’s retirement and when David Moyes was appointed.
“I can’t believe a few years ago, particularly when Fergie went, Man United [didn’t sign him]. I thought he was absolutely spot on for Manchester United, the way they want to play, the way the lad plays.
“There’s not many in Europe better than him in my opinion.”
