Roberto Martinez Highlights Overlooked Ireland Star as He Praises Seamus Coleman
Roberto Martinez, the Portugal national team manager, has shared his thoughts on the influence of Seamus Coleman during his tenure at Everton. Martinez believes that Coleman was one of the finest right-backs in the Premier League during the 2013-14 season.
Seamus Coleman: Premier League’s Best Right-Back
Martinez expressed his admiration for Seamus Coleman, highlighting his leadership and communication skills on and off the pitch. He stated, “I think now you can see the experience. He uses his experience quite well; he is always communicating and organizing players.”
James McCarthy: A Notable Mention
While praising Coleman, Martinez also referenced James McCarthy, a player who has not participated in first-team football for three years. McCarthy, once a key midfielder for Ireland, last played for his national team five years ago.
- Age: 34
- Last club match: Celtic’s Scottish League Cup win over Motherwell
- Last Ireland appearance: Five years ago
Martinez managed McCarthy at both Wigan Athletic and Everton, emphasizing his value in the team. He mentioned, “I’m just glad James McCarthy is not playing. He is a player I wouldn’t like to play against.”
Irelands Preparedness Under Pressure
Looking ahead to the upcoming match in Dublin, Martinez acknowledged the challenges posed by the Irish team. He noted their organization and synchronization, particularly when time is limited for national squads to train together.
According to Martinez, “Ireland are a well-organized team that looks very synchronized.” He praised the commitment of the players and the clarity of the coaching instructions. Furthermore, he highlighted Ireland’s effectiveness in set pieces and their attacking threats.
Key Factors of the Irish Team
The following aspects characterize Ireland’s style of play:
- Strong defensive organization with three center-backs
- Effective use of dead-ball situations
- Presence in both defensive and offensive boxes
Martinez concluded by stressing the passion that Irish players have for representing their country, emphasizing that it adds a unique dimension to the team’s performance. This dedication and teamwork will be crucial as they face challenging opposition.