Dominic Calvert-Lewin has waxed lyrical about Seamus Coleman by highlighting his professionalism and desire.
The Ireland legend’s immediate future had been in doubt with his contract with Everton expiring at the end of this month.
Everton have confirmed they have offered Coleman a new deal. Although it’s likely he will also have coaching responsibilities as he looks towards the future.
If Coleman does sign as expected, the Donegal man will extend his stay at Everton into a 17th year.
He’s undoubtedly the club’s greatest ever signing, having joined for a bargain £50,000 from Sligo Rovers.
Seamus Coleman is the driver through sheer passion
Calvert-Lewin was keen to highlight the impact he’s had in the dressing room, as well as on the field.
Speaking on the High Performance Podcast, the striker said: “The biggest cultural architect at Everton is Seamus Coleman.
“What a man he is! He deserves all the credit he’s got from people and all the plaudits and positivity associated with him because he really is that guy.
“Some players or people might put on a bit of extra to look a certain way, but he truly lives and breathes it.
“People often forget that, probably in Everton’s history, the last three years—the points deductions, relegation battles—have been the toughest. The uncertainty, maybe higher up, and things like that, which do filter into a dressing room and affect your performance when the environment’s unstable.
“You do have to stay focused and stay as a unit. Seamus has been the main driver of that through sheer passion and love for the club. As you can tell, I respect him a lot.”
Setting the example in tough times
Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has already spoken about the impact Coleman can have on the rest of his team-mates.
The boss wants Coleman to be part of his World Cup qualification campaign in September and October, despite his recent injury record.
It comes as no surprise, given how Calvert-Lewin also revealed how Coleman sets the standard during the tough times.
He added: “He just does everything right. He doesn’t cut corners.
“Simple things, you know—he’s on time, and he’s very aware of how people perceive him in the environment. He knows that people will go off from how he acts.
“So, he never loses sight of that. If we’re going through a sticky patch, he’ll make sure he’s the first on the training pitch, first in the gym, or first to training because he’s setting the example.
“For me, he’s been a great leader to learn from because that’s all I’ve ever known. I know Seamus like I know Everton.
“You wouldn’t believe some of the stuff he has done in moments of need when he’s stepped up and spoken in the dressing room.
“He won’t mind me saying this, but his go-to is always: “There are people in those stands who are paying a lot of money to come and watch us. They’re working all week, and this is their outlet to come and watch us win and, at the bare minimum, see us give our all.”