It’s been over three years since Yerry Mina last played for Everton but the centre-back hasn’t changed.
The Colombian had a five-year spell at Merseyside that ended in 2023. He played close to 100 times during this spell and was known for a rather colourful approach on the pitch.
His combative nature often made him a subject of criticism, especially if results didn’t go Everton’s way. That approach succeeded much more when he played for his country, and he impressed particularly at the 2018 World Cup.
Now at Cagliari, the centre-back has become the focus of attention again and there is belief he hasn’t changed.
Mina still the same fun-seeker
Cagliari picked up a hard-fought draw against Juventus at the weekend. The Bianconeri had to count on a late equaliser, with the Sardinian side having been one of the surprise packages of the campaign.
During the game, Mina was his ultra-competitive self, nudging Juve attackers constantly and even celebrating in their faces. Bianconeri manager Luciano Spalletti pointed it out during his post-game press conference and it became a big deal.
The game was a topic of discussion on the Numer1 podcast, which involved host Giuseppe Cruciani and Corriere dello Sport’s Ivan Zazzaroni. The host focused on the ex-Everton man’s behaviour and appeared annoyed. He even asked Cagliari as a club to intervene into matters.
He said – via AreaNapoli: “Why does a player have to act like a clown in the middle of the pitch? Fine, he didn’t do anything serious. But on the pitch, opponents are respected.”
“Acting like an idiot and a clown because McKennie couldn’t get to the ball, all this in front of the Cagliari fans, is incomprehensible to me. I think the Cagliari president should intervene.”
Zazzaroni responded by noting that things haven’t changed since the Everton days.
“But Yerry is like that, I remember him from his time at Ancelotti’s Everton.”
“But he’s always been like that, even very harsh in tackles. In Cagliari they know he’s a provocateur.”
Expressing further disbelief, Cruciani said: “I can understand the tackles, but starting that clownish scene in the first half? Harlem Globetrotters stuff.”
Player remains a key performer
So far this season, Cagliari have conceded only three goals in the entire campaign. The 32-year-old has played two games, having missed out earlier in the season due to an injury. More importantly, he is a dressing room leader and even captained the side against Juve.
That showcases his influence in Sardinia, which is arguably more than what he had at Everton.
His reputation is still the same, as Mina isn’t an easy customer to deal with. That sets him apart from a lot of players, putting him right at home in Italian football.
