Martinez: John Stones will be an important player for England
Everton manager Roberto Martinez says that young centre-back John Stones progress this season is no surprise because he scouted him as a youngster when he was making his name at Barnsley.
Stones joined the club nearly 15 months ago as David Moyes signed him for £3m, but that was only after then Wigan Athletic manager Martinez had agreed a fee with the club. It turned out to be a stroke of fate to lose out on the player then as Martinez fully believes that Stones will become an hugely important player for Everton and England.
“His quality is not a surprise because I had the opportunity to follow his development when he was coming through at Barnsley and he has grown into a phenomenal footballer,” said Martinez. “We had a friendly against Juventus in pre-season and I saw then he was ready for this season. Phil Jagielka has been instrumental in giving him advice and helping him through, but as a centre-half he is as good as it gets, and he is only 19.
“We need to allow him to develop, but he’s a joy to have. He’s so calm and composed on the ball and in the same way so aggressive in his defending. We are all excited about his development. He is going to have an England role. He is going to be an important player for English football, but we need to give him time and allow him to enjoy his football.”
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