---
title: "Coleman reveals Baines’ influence on him"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/coleman-reveals-baines-influence/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2017-10-05T18:59:18Z"
modified: "2017-10-05T18:59:18Z"
---

# Coleman reveals Baines’ influence on him

Everton defender Seamus Coleman has been discussing the influence that Leighton Baines has had on him and his playing career.

As quoted by the [Liverpool Echo](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/seamus-coleman-how-studying-leighton-13723354), the Republic of Ireland international spoke of how he aimed to replicate Baines’ success at the club when he was younger, and was full of praise for his fellow defender.

> Early on, there were quite a few full-backs at Everton. Phil \[Neville\] was here, Tony Hibbert as well – someone I really looked up to and really wanted to learn from – and Bainesy on the other side.

> He got in the PFA team of the season twice and has now got the most assists in the Premier League for a defender, so he was someone I probably tried to watch and learn from the most.

Coleman is currently sidelined as he continues to recover from a broken leg suffered on international duty. He suffered a horrific broken leg at the end of March in Republic of Ireland’s game against Wales, and still appears to be some time away from making his return.

![Mark Robinson/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readeverton.com/readeverton/2017/10/852375902.jpg)

This has led to a plethora of options at right-back being tested since by Ronald Koeman, including all of Mason Holgate, Cuco Martina and Jonjoe Kenny.

> We both played in similar positions and that relationship he had with Steven Pienaar was probably the best left-hand side in the league. And when I say probably, I’m sure of it.

> He probably had that little bit more composure and quality than me in the final third and that was something I wanted to work on and learn from.

Baines is held in high regard at Goodison Park by the Toffees’ supporters, and it looks as though the players show a similar level of respect and appreciation for the experienced left-back.