Begovic says Everton leader ‘epitomises everything the club can be’

Asmir Begovic has said Seamus Coleman is the ‘ultimate leader’ and believes Everton’s captain’s attitude sets the standard for what ‘the club can be’.

Coleman has been with the Blues since January 2009 and is the club’s record appearance maker in the Premier League, with 369 games.

The Irishman’s impact was limited last season on the pitch, as the 36-year-old featured for just 216 minutes in the Premier League.

Despite that, Coleman has been offered a contract extension with his deal due to expire later this month.

Begovic, who is a confirmed departure next month, outlined the importance of the veteran full-back in the dressing room.

He said Coleman ‘sets the tone’ for the rest of the squad and is a player whose dedication should be an example for all at Everton to follow. Discussing the club’s strong second half of the campaign, Begovic credited the leadership group for helping to turn around results.

“Seamus is the ultimate leader, the icon of the club,” the goalkeeper told The Athletic.

 “He sets the tone. He’s somebody that you just want to play with and play for. What he represents and what he stands for really epitomise Everton and everything the club can be.

“We had a really good group behind that, trying to set certain standards and keep everyone together. There was some good quality in the squad and we had fantastic support staff, so I felt like it was a really good mix this year. That sort of made us achieve the maximum we could.

“No matter the circumstances, we always stuck together and kept pushing. The fruits of the labour really came through in the second half of the season.”

 

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