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Right back

The right-back position has often been criticised over the last few years as our weak link. However, I believe this is now one of our strongest positions with Neville and Hibbert seeming to up their game last season (both were even touted as possible England call-ups during last season) and the emergence of Coleman.

Choosing between these three is going to be very difficult as they all look to be at the same level, but for very different reasons.

Phil Neville. Club captain and extremely experienced, we realised how much we missed him when he was injured for a few months last year. Everton are certainly a better side with his leadership qualities in the side. A better right-back than midfielder and not in the same league as Fellaini and Rodwell to be in midfield. Therefore, as we need him in the team, do you play him at right-back?

Seamus Coleman. The highly-promising young Irishman. Seen him referred to as the 'white Cafu'. Blossomed after his loan spell at Blackpool and has looked one of our best players in pre-season after getting plenty of chances. Probably the best footballer of the three and looks great going forward. Still a few questions defensively but looks great for the future if not the present.

Tony Hibbert. Mr Everton and Mr Reliable, turning into a cult figure at the club. If Neville is too old and Coleman too young, Hibbert is the perfect in between. One of the best tacklers at the club and can't really fault him, just unspectacular. Seems to have cut out silly mistakes with gaining experience and gives 100% everytime.

It's a tough call but personally I would go for Coleman to start the season. He's looked very good in pre-season and youth deserves a chance. I certainly think he's good enough at attacking at present to trouble most teams in the Premiership. However, perhaps when we play against an out and out left winger or a top team like Man Utd or Chelsea, I would choose Hibbert instead. The only problem then is how to get Neville into the team?
Matthew Lovekin, Brighton Posted 05/08/2010 at 08:59:18

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Dan McKie
1 Posted 05/08/2010 at 14:18:11

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Agree with the assesment of all 3, Matthew, and I think they will all get their fair share of games in the coming season. Coleman is most certainly the future, all he has to do is prove himself defensivley when he gets the chance. If he does that, then the spot is his because of the rest of his game. Its great to have 3 players in 1 position where you wouldnt worry no matter who gets the nod.

Anand Rabheru
2 Posted 05/08/2010 at 14:35:27

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Ive said it before and am surprised I have not seen any others mention it, but Coleman for Right Midfield???

Hes got pace, skill and likes running with the ball. Defensively, he did not look as strong as Neville or Hibbert when I saw him last season for Blackpool and he has not looked the best in some of the pre-season games, but with Neville RB and Coleman RM, I think that could be such a promising partnership, 2 players who like to get up and down and will work together and IMO its not defensive as Coleman looks a better RM than a RB!

And looking at Coleman, he may score a few goals as well as he likes cutting in and getting in the box!

Thoughts...

guy rogers
3 Posted 05/08/2010 at 17:02:11

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easy Anand yer its not a bad idea but what is wrong with having an attacking wing back?

Sure he still has a lot to learn but if you are good enough you are old enough.

The bottom line is the everton team is transforming from an old fashioned hoof ball team to a mini barca/arsenal and Coleman is just another step on the ladder. Our right side has alway been weaker than our left but with Coleman and Anichebe we are looking good.

Keep Hibbert for back up CB for europa games against BATE and start training PIP to be our next coach/manager and in the mean time back up LB/RB...

Coleman all the way stop pussying about!!!

guy rogers
4 Posted 05/08/2010 at 17:02:11

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Anand Rabheru
5 Posted 05/08/2010 at 17:16:18

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No problems in throwing him in at RB, i like the kid and think he will be a hit wherever we play him. Just dont think Moyes will chuck him in at RB ahead of Neville or Hibbert, so why not use him as a RM?!? Will give us different options to Vic and until Landon gets to wear the Royal Blue again, would rather see Coleman RM than on the bench! Good thing is, we finally have quality options in the squad! :-)

I agree with you Guy in regards to Neville and Hibbert, covering LB and CB respectively.

Peter Warren
6 Posted 05/08/2010 at 17:21:11

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Could not disagree more, I think our full backs are appaling and they (and I include Baines) along with Distin are our biggest weak links in the team

Andy Crooks
7 Posted 05/08/2010 at 19:49:39

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Anand, I've been saying it for some time. Hibbert/Neville at right back and Coleman right midfield. He is no right winger but he has pace covers a lot of ground and can cross from deep in the way Beckham used to. (I am not making a comparison). In my view it would leave us solid at the back and offer as least a viable option as Vic or Osman out wide. Alan Kirwin made a very pertinent point recently about the demise of the tricky pacey wingman. In the absence of Donovan Coleman wide right might just be the answer.

Derek Thomas
8 Posted 05/08/2010 at 19:55:51

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3 at the back, Baines and Coleman Wingbacks.

Iv'e been mooting 3 at the back for 2yrs, then it was Jags Yobo and Lescott., with Baines and Jacobsen.

Now it can be done, with cover, from: Hibbo, Jags, Johnny, Yobo, Duffy(?) Distan, Neville.

Jeff Armstrong
9 Posted 05/08/2010 at 22:56:03

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3 at the back, get real' Moyes
won't even play 2 up front against Wolves.... AT HOME!

moot all you like Derek, it,s not going to happen.

Roberto Birquet
10 Posted 05/08/2010 at 23:27:30

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I see Neville getting more oft than npt 'cos he's our captain. I hope we see a lot of Coleman. Frankly I see Hibbert becoming a utility defender, anywhere across the back - but not first choice for any position.

Although, I'd like a backup nd proper LB to be found, and wonder if Moyes will let go of either of the defenders that have been with since 2002 to make that happen: ie Yobo or Hibbert.

Anthony Hughes
11 Posted 06/08/2010 at 11:28:42

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I've never been one for all this Colemania but in the modern game then attacking fullbacks who can get up and down the line are huge part of any teams forward play.While Neville and Hibbert are solid enough defenders their distribution and attacking play isn't up to what is required.So lets give Coleman a chance to prove he can defend as well as he can get forward and play him from the start.

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