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What a season it has been for Seamus Coleman. The Irishman's journey from a player who seemed to be stagnating at Everton, to a member of the PFA Team of the Year in a little over 18 months is one of the extraordinary stories of the Premier League season, and, unsurprisingly, few argued against him being named as Everton's standout player this year.
Coleman swept the board at the club's end of season awards, and though he came a close second to James McCarthy in RBM's own Player of the Year poll, this is likely down to the fact that he was the obvious choice, rather than an unsung hero in the manner of his countryman. I say the obvious choice because, from the very first weekend of the season where he scored and assisted in the Blues' opening game against Norwich, Coleman has excelled.
A constant menace on the right flank, his runs from deep worried opposition defences consistently throughout the campaign, with Roberto Martinez's liberating style of play allowing him to drive into the final third time and time again. Coleman's attacking prowess was reflected in his goal tally, scoring eight times in all competitions for the Toffees, and though his delivery still lags behind that of his left-sided colleague Leighton Baines, his all round forward play has seen a marked improvement.
Coleman seems an altogether calmer presence in defence as well. It's easy to forget that he was responsible for giving away two penalties earlier in the season (and was fortunate not to have made it three) for rash challenges against Manchester City and Aston Villa, but the recklessness and naiveté to which he was occasionally prone appear now to have all but vanished from his play. Indeed this is perhaps Coleman's greatest development over the course of the season: the addition of a solid defensive component to his always-threatening attacking game.
Still only 25, the right back will be hoping to improve again next season, but in truth there are few aspects of his game that stand out as areas for improvement. So long as Coleman maintains the hunger, desire and professionalism that have powered him throughout the last ten months there will be few complaints from the Goodison faithful. In the meantime, it's only right that he be recognised for a phenomenal year in royal blue.
How do you rate Coleman this year? Comment below!