Everton winger Theo Walcott has said that right-back Seamus Coleman is playing like ‘a completely new animal’.
Coleman made his return to the Premier League on Wednesday in Everton’s 2-1 win over Leicester City following 313 days out following a double leg break last year.
The 29-year-old played 45 minutes for the Everton U23’s last week but impressed mightily in his return to the Premier League, with manager Sam Allardyce and Walcott, who scored twice, both amazed by how quickly he has rediscovered his form.
“Having him around is obviously fantastic. You can just see his work-rate up and down that right-hand side,” said Walcott.
“He just shows he is at a completely different level when he comes back like that.
“He was up and down that wing, helping me out, talking, and that is what it is all about.
“Seamus is a completely new animal and I really don’t know how he gets that energy.
“I still think we need to let him take his time and ease his way back in but he is as fit-as-you-like and I am sure he will be playing every week.”
Allardyce said that it was great to have Coleman back in the side and added that he was impressed with how he combined with Walcott down Everton’s right-wing.
🎥 | Sam Allardyce gives his verdict on tonight's "massive win" against @LCFC. #EFCmatchday pic.twitter.com/MwUM2V4dGk
— Everton (@Everton) January 31, 2018
“Of course, I have to mention the man everybody loves here, which is Seamus Coleman,” the Toffees manager told Everton TV.
“The instant combination and work he did with Theo Walcott was a pleasure for them to see and for me to see.
“There was no intention to leave him on for 90 minutes, in our minds, but when you saw him do that 80-yard run at the end, you went ‘wow!’
“Out for ten months, first game back, and then in the last two minutes of the game he runs 80 yards with the ball… I think his legs were so tired at the end of it he could hardly kick it.”
