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ROBERTO MARTINEZ tipped his young defender John Stones for a future role as England captain after he helped his side cling on to a 0-0 draw away at Spurs.
The 21-year-old produced an assured performance despite having expressed his desire to leave Everton for Chelsea earlier in the week.
Martinez provided reassurance that Stones would not be leaving, following the rejection of a third bid from Chelsea, saying: “For us, the window’s closed in that respect and I think his performance showed that.”
He praised the defender’s ability to cope with the pressure of the transfer window, describing him as a “pristine professional.”
Man of the match Tim Howard was also singled out for his “immense” display, with six fine saves giving Everton a point that they probably didn’t deserve.
“He’s a leader and an incredible influence in the dressing room. On the pitch he’s enjoying his football.”
With 20 shots on goal, Spurs will be disappointed to still be awaiting their first win of the season. Ryan Mason, playing in a more advanced role, twice snatched at the ball when clean through on goal.
He was better when playing provider, with a perfectly weighted through ball sending Harry Kane one-on-one with Howard after 22 minutes. However, Kane’s weak shot against Howard’s legs was a marker of how low his form has dipped this season.
Everton sat back for long periods but had a chance to win it on 72 minutes when a cross whipped in by Coleman from the left was glanced inches wide of the post by Arouna Kone.
After 120 minutes of football in the League Cup on Wednesday, and the transfer window circus surrounding John Stones, Martinez was relieved with a point but reiterated his criticism of the September transfer deadline day.
“It’s wrong. It’s disrespectful to the institutions and it’s disrespectful to the fans. We are putting our youngsters under massive pressure.”
Nevertheless he said he was “ready to join in” with the Everton fans’ rendition of “money can’t buy you Stones” to the tune of The Beatles’s Can’t Buy Me Love, which rang out from the away corner of White Hart Lane.
