Merlin Rohl has revealed Seamus Coleman’s impact on the Everton dressing room.
The Republic of Ireland international will bow out after 17-and-a-half years in the blue half of Merseyside when his contract expires at the end of the current campaign.
Coleman leaves Hill Dickinson Stadium as the club’s record Premier League appearance holder and ahead of Dixie Dean in the all-time list with 434 games.
Rohl, who opened the scoring in Sunday’s 3-1 home defeat to Sunderland, has outlined the high standards that the 37-year-old has impressed on his teammates.
He said: “I think I talked a little bit about it at the beginning.
“He’s a legend and that is what he is. He is a human being that is outstanding and I’ve never met anyone like Seamus before.
“He’s a great character and, of course, a change for the dressing room that he is leaving.
“But I think everyone has a great idol that he can look up to and see how you can be a captain for this beautiful team.
“He says that you need to be accountable for yourself and you need to work hard every day in training and that is what the club is about.
“You need to work hard, and if you train hard, then you will see this on a matchday. That is what he is giving every day in the training sessions.
“He runs the most every day in training and I am trying to beat him, but it is really hard. He’s unbelievable.”
Rohl’s first-half strike saw him become the first German player to score for Everton, which did not prove enough to keep their bid for European qualification alive.
“I feel a great sense of pride to score for this great club,” added the midfielder.
“I am surprised I am the first German; it took a little bit of luck, the same as against Man City, but that is football.
“I take it every time because sometimes it can go in the opposite direction.
“I’m really happy to score a goal and really happy to celebrate it with the fans, but I am also disappointed that we couldn’t get the win over the line.”