Toffeeweb - Talking Points - Coleman or Hibbert

Coleman or Hibbert

Just read the article on the Under 21's win. It seems that Tony Hibbert is nearing full fitness, so this begs the question: Does he come back into the first team at the expense of Seamus Coleman. Do we want the solid tough tackling fullback or the cavalier marauding fullback.

This has been debated many times on toffee web but we have never had the luxury of Seamus having a good run in the fullback position before. So Hibbert or Coleman? My pick would be Seamus, were not shipping goals and he gives us that attacking option down the right and gives us Tony to strengthen our bench.

Paul Johnson, Nairobi, Kenya Posted 15/04/2013 at 20:26:00

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Andy Crooks
967 Posted 16/04/2013 at 00:05:02

Coleman is now Everton's right back and I believe he will be for years to come. I like Tony Hibbert and I think he gives us good back up in the position. With Oviedo providing cover we might have a decent squad in defence, at least next season.

James Flynn
971 Posted 16/04/2013 at 00:18:39

Coleman first. No problem with Hibbert. But Coleman first.

Andy Peers
974 Posted 16/04/2013 at 00:55:45

Hibbert is a good option for some games but Coleman all day long now that his defending seems to be good now. There is no comparison going forward and equal ability in back line but Hibbert is good cover for injuries or for Coleman to rest with our busy European schedule next season :)

Jamie Sweet
976 Posted 16/04/2013 at 01:03:27

Got to stick with Coleman now surely. I would see it as a step in the wrong direction slotting Hibbo straight back in the side.

Plus I think Moyes would like having the option of Hibbert on the bench for one of his inspired late substitutions.

Ernie Baywood
977 Posted 16/04/2013 at 01:03:00

In a straight choice it's Coleman. Attack is often the best form of defence and, as well as helping our attack he also pushes back the opposition winger. He's improved out of sight defensively and should now be allowed to settle into that position.

Hibbert is good cover, effectively for two positions where have no other cover (via Coleman going on the wing if needed).

A right midfielder is needed, though. Mirrallas is wasted there and in most games would be a better option than Fella, in my opinion.

Gary Creaney
979 Posted 16/04/2013 at 01:09:30

Paul to quote you directly: "This has been debated many times on toffee web but we have never had the luxury of Seamus having a good run in the fullback position before."

This is absolutely true but now that Coleman has had the good run it no longer requires a debate. Coleman is far superior in all departments except his out and out defending but he has improved dramatically in that respect this season, the outstanding example being his headed clearance against city when under pressure from Tevez. To think he was a £50k signing...

Tom Bowers
981 Posted 16/04/2013 at 01:34:07

Hibbo has been a steady full back over the years mainly due to his speed. His tackling was usually good but his marking and crossing of the ball was weak. He is becoming a veteran now; as long as Coleman is fit and playing well, I see him as Everton's regular RB.

Domino Darkley
983 Posted 16/04/2013 at 01:47:44

It's a no brainer.

Seamus is our first choice right back.

Adam Fenlon
986 Posted 16/04/2013 at 02:42:53

He looks old for 21! ;)

Roman Sidey
988 Posted 16/04/2013 at 02:35:02

No disrespect to him, but with his injury going for longer than usual this year, I did think Hibbert may have played his last game for Everton. Happy for him if he still gets a few more games, but is nowhere near Seamus in my opinion. It will be interesting though as Moyes has always been outspoken in his appreciation of Putin's love-child.

Anto Byrne
991 Posted 16/04/2013 at 04:45:19

I would have liked to see Mucha given a run in the side but, as we know, it's Howards spot. What would he get paid warming the bench? £15k a week? Hibbert... well that's for Moyes — and maybe he will get a run if Coleman gets hurt.

David Ellis
997 Posted 16/04/2013 at 06:03:43

This is a no brainer now that Coleman has improved so much defensively. I always liked Hibbert but Coleman on current form is a better right back than Tony ever was. Coleman looked better than Baines defensively against QPR and Spurs - as he comprehensively won his personal duals

Paul Olsen
013 Posted 16/04/2013 at 08:20:57

Hibbo for the Anfield derby just so he can get his goal, then Seamus as long as he keeps fit/in form.

As said earlier, Hibbo brings back some depth to our squad.

James Stewart
018 Posted 16/04/2013 at 08:50:08

Coleman. Hibbert isn't in the same class.

Chris Fisher
041 Posted 16/04/2013 at 10:33:41

Coleman.

Ross Edwards
094 Posted 16/04/2013 at 13:15:07

Seamus is doing a sensational job in Hibbo's position, and it would be harsh to ruin the lad's confidence by getting rid of him to put Hibbo back ing. But then again, Moyes is in charge so he might just do that.

Shane Corcoran
102 Posted 16/04/2013 at 13:29:24

Even Moyes would find it hard to put Hibbert in tonight. I wouldn't rule it out at Anfield where a 0-0 against a team (potentially) 8 points behind us would be a magnificent result.

Ray Roche
164 Posted 16/04/2013 at 17:17:41

Coleman, although there may be occasions when Coleman will be required to play wide right and Hibbo can slot in at full back, with Mirallas moving inside where he can do some damage.

Brendan Connolly
267 Posted 16/04/2013 at 22:21:05

For me, Coleman's best game for the club tonight. Essentially, he's a defender and was excellent.

Clearly in most games he'll get more chance to get forward, but defensively has improved beyond recognition.

Ben Jones
415 Posted 17/04/2013 at 12:19:07

Coleman by a mile.

Hibbert's a handy squad player though. Hope we keep him until he retires

Dan McKie
443 Posted 17/04/2013 at 13:37:56

I think this is pretty unanimous. Coleman.

Paul Johnson
551 Posted 17/04/2013 at 21:13:51

There have been doubts about Seamus as a defender. I think these can be allayed now, as Gary mentions the header against City then the second half challenge on Giroud on the six-yard line last night prove he has what it takes.

The five-year contract is looking pretty astute business now. The king is dead, long live the king.

Greg Lambden
641 Posted 18/04/2013 at 12:40:05

Coleman: modern day fullback - great pace, will run all day, attacking threat, defending much improved (was superb against Arsenal)

Hibbert: good defender, limited attacking threat

It has to be Coleman with a decent backup in Hibbert

Damian Halligan
668 Posted 18/04/2013 at 14:55:51

Hibbo everytime. Where else are we going to get goals from next season. Everton legend.

Steven Telford
849 Posted 19/04/2013 at 11:09:09

Coleman 100%
Ok, he took time to adapt, but he has now earned his place.

Come on the farmer!!!!!!!

John Crook
864 Posted 19/04/2013 at 12:01:49

Have we missed Hibbert?? Yes, we did earlier in the season. The sickening last-minute goal v's Fulham away and the Reading away collapse I don't think would've happened with Hibbert's experience.

Coleman has come in leaps and bounds and is one of the positives of a frustrating "too many points dropped" season. Coleman should now rightly be the first choice right back. His defending is getting better by the game. His performance against Man City 4 weeks ago was one of the best individual performances I have seen over the last 3 or 4 seasons — and that's saying something for a right back as it's normally the flair and attacking players who are the most noticeable when on form.

Coleman will be eventually go on to be a Cahill-like signing (in terms of value for money — I'm not comapring them two players).

Peter Bell
867 Posted 19/04/2013 at 12:25:47

Coleman for me, Hibbert couldnt cross a cheque

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