Antolin Alcaraz has gone a long way to proving his doubters wrong. The Paraguayan centre-back proved an able replacement for injured Everton skipper Phil Jagielka, putting in an assured performance at the heart of the blues defence.
The experienced defender’s transfer had been questioned in some quarters and having missed the whole season so far his injury record threw some doubt into supporters minds, but he hopes he is no over his injury problems.
Alcaraz said: “It’s been a very long wait for me to get involved, so it was a nice way to come in and play my first game at home. The result and the support was great.
“It has been a difficult time but every player goes through tough spells and I’m happy now it’s behind me and I can enjoy this moment with the team.
“I think it was a good game. They were a nice side that played some quick football but we made the best of it and got the three points.
“I think every three points is important now. One loss changes everything, and we know how hard it is in the Premier League so we couldn’t slip up.
“For us we’re focusing on each game and then at the end of the season we’ll see where we are.
“I’d enjoy it if we could get back into Europe but there’s a long way to go. We need to focus on improving and getting as many points as possible.
“For me I just want to keep playing and see how it goes. The manager has been great with me but also the players. This is a good team to be in and even with my situation.”
Alcaraz was also full of praise for goalscoring right-back Seamus Coleman, who scored his 3rd goal in 5 games in the 2-1 win at home to Southampton and has proved himself to be one of the best and also most improved right-backs in the league and also former Wigan Athletic team mate James MCarthy.
“Seamus is in a great moment,” he said. “I love seeing him play. I hope he can continue like this all season. He was a really good bargain too.
“James also. He had a great game and has performed well in every game. He has a great future and has improved with every week he has been here.
“He gives you a lot of help at the back and I think he’ll get even better too.
“It’s easy to forget he’s only 23. He is a real leader for the team.
“It didn’t surprise me when the manager went in for him in the summer because he showed his potential with Wigan.”
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