Silva says new signing Sidibe is ‘pushing’ Coleman for Everton starting role

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Marco Silva has hinted summer signing Djibril Sidibe could soon be in line for more regular minutes.

The Frenchman, on a season-long loan from AS Monaco, has had to bide his time at Goodison Park so far, and has made one appearance in the Carabao Cup against Lincoln City.

Silva has kept the faith with Seamus Coleman at right-back, but the Republic of Ireland international has done little to justify his continued selection in the team.

The 30-year-old’s commitment can never be questioned, but unfortunately it seems as though his previous injury problems are stopping him from being the force that made him one of the Premier League’s best full-backs a couple of years ago.

The manager said (quoted by The Liverpool Echo): “He [Sidibe] is pushing, he is pushing. You are talking about an experienced player. He didn’t do the pre-season with us but he is the type of player who you don’t have doubts about his quality.

“Seamus knows he has a player there trying to get his place in the starting XI, trying to get his place, so it is good for us.”

TBR’s view

It appears Sidibe will start against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday – and it’s a chance for him to oust the declining Coleman going forwards.

Everton could really do with some fresh impetus down the right and Sidibe could well provide that.

The World Cup winner has good pace, something Coleman appears to have lost slightly in recent times.

Sidibe is also a decent crosser of the ball, again something that Coleman has struggled to be consistent with.