'Rare off night' - Media reacts to Everton player's 4/10 display on int'l duty

Everton veteran Seamus Coleman completed 70 minutes as the Republic of Ireland lost 3-0 to Portugal in a friendly on Tuesday (11 June).

A Joao Felix strike opened the scoring for the Portuguese before a second-half brace from Cristiano Ronaldo condemned Ireland to their first defeat of the international window.

The Toffees defender racked up more decent game time having played a full 90 minutes against Hungary on Tuesday 4 June, being replaced by Matt Doherty after going up against AC Milan’s Rafael Leao on the night.

The Irish Mirror [11 June] handed Coleman a 5/10 rating, while The Irish Sun [11 June] were slightly more generous with a 6/10 rating, writing: “His burst into the opposition box showed there is nothing wrong with his engine at the age of 35 but Rafael Leao caused him problems defensively.”

Balls [11 June] were slightly less kind, awarding a 4/10 rating, writing: “Drew a foul well from Rafael Leao early on, though the AC Milan man fairly had his number for the remainder of the first half. Off balance when he had a decent chance in the box late in the opening period.

“An incredibly consistent performer at international level, this was a rare off night for Coleman against one of Europe’s best attacks.”

Everton ace Seamus Coleman struggles in Republic of Ireland v Portugal

Coleman’s international displays will have been a perfect opportunity for Sean Dyche to see what the player is still capable of given his heavy involvement for Ireland this week.

Mainly due to injury, the 35-year-old only made seven Premier League starts this season, though the player seems to be nearing a deal to extend his stay at Goodison Park.

He performed well up against Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai during the clash against Hungary, but it seems Leao was an altogether trickier task for the experienced full-back.

Dyche will certainly be keen to keep the defender around ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. The club must ensure they have adequate cover for him, however.

Ashley Young and Ben Godfrey have both been utilised in the position throughout the season, though neither is at their peak and could be replaced this summer in order to support Coleman, while Nathan Patterson has had his own issues with form and fitness.

The right-back is a much-loved figure at Goodison Park, and when he does decide to end his career, it will be an emotional day on Merseyside after 24 years at the club so far.

In other Everton news, the club are to accept a reduced fee for Jarrad Branthwaite.

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