Former Everton striker, Yakubu Aiyegbeni has singled out former teammate Seamus Coleman as his pick to be the player to graduate from the dressing room to the dugout.

The former forward likened the Blues’ club captain to Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta, and described him as “a clever guy.”

Aiyegbeni’s comments came just weeks after Coleman stepped up to help prepare the first team for the FA Cup win over Peterborough United following the dismissal of Sean Dyche.

Coleman, whose current contract expires in the summer, has spoken of a desire to go into management when he hangs up his boots.

Aiyegeni spent four years at Everton after signing from Middlesbrough in 2007.

He was at Goodison Park when Coleman arrived in his famed £60,000 transfer from Sligo Rovers, in January 2009 – under David Moyes, who returned to the club after the Peterborough game.

Reflecting on his first impression of the defender, Aiyegeni said he stood out for his intelligence, and the more he saw of him, the more he could identify his management potential even at such a young age.

He said: “I think Seamus Coleman is the next guy who is going to make a name for himself in management. He’s a clever guy. I remember when he came to Everton, he was quite young at the time, but he’s always been so clever, and the way he speaks and helps out on the pitch… he’s similar to Mikel Arteta in that he was pretty quiet, but was just such an intelligent boy.

“Even when he wasn’t playing, you could see he wanted his teammates to do well – that’s a great mentality to have.”

Aiyegbeni said Coleman shared similarities with their teammate Leighton Baines, who has joined Moyes’ backroom
win.

Aiyegbeni, speaking at the launch of Ladbrokes’ “Gaffer of all Accas” said: “He loves Everton so much… similar to Leighton Baines, as well. You know, why not? Why can’t they go on to become successful coaches?

“They’ve learned so much from one of the best in David Moyes, they know what’s expected at the top level of the game. Seamus Coleman is going to be the next one, for me, to be a top manager.”

Currently out injured, Coleman recently showcased how his experience remains valuable when he helped Everton earn a draw at Manchester City on Boxing Day.

The 36-year-old has not revealed his plans for the summer, but has completed his coaching qualifications and spoken about a desire to go into management last month.

Asked whether it was enjoyable enough for a career in management to tempt him once he hangs up his boots, Coleman said: “It did, yeah. Even just spending that little bit of time with Leighton is probably the first time I’ve properly planned for a match, albeit it was a very short period.

“But, yes, being on that side, seeing and feeling how it works, and being on the sideline and seeing your team was good and enjoyable. In the future, it’s something I think I will have a crack at.”