Roberto Martinez has been praising the special partnership of Leighton Baines and Steven Pienaar, despite not really playing together much this season due to injury. Something that Martinez is looking forward to overcoming
“You get special partnerships in football. Leighton and Stevie have developed that over the years so it is important”
“They can also link up with other players.
“Look at the stats. Last season they were probably the most successful partnership in the league and you need that at full flow.
“It’s good to have them playing together.
“If you are a full-back and you have a good understanding you know when and when not to go because you know what he is going to do.
“When you play with other players trying to develop a partnership it can bring doubts.
“Leighton and Steven have as good a chemistry as you’re going to find in football.
“I can imagine when Stevie is on the pitch, Leighton knows when to go and that extra second make all the difference to defences.
“Stevie gave us that freedom.”
Over the last few seasons Baines and Pienaar have built up one of the best footballing relationships in the Premier League having been instrumental in transforming an Everton team who have often been short on a supply of goals. Last season Leighton Baines created more key passes than any other player in world football.
Everton face a tough match away to Aston Villa in their next match so the left-sided pair will need to be at their best to stop an improving opponent.
Do you think Leighton Baines and Steven Pienaar have the best partnership in the Premier League? Have your say at www.theevertonforum.com