Roberto Martinez reckons James McCarthy has all the credentials to be a future Everton Captain.
At just 22-years-old, the Republic of Ireland midfielder made his 250th appearance in senior football at Villa Park last weekend and his manager reckons that milestone has provided a solid background at a very young age.
Asked whether McCarthy might one day skipper the Toffees, he said: “Yes maybe one day. He already sets a great example.
“He embraces challenges and wants to help the team while also being humble. The way he’s started has been a joy and he deserves the milestone he has achieved.
“Sometimes it’s hard to go into the unknown but when James arrived here he had a solid background with the amount of games he’d played at a very young age.
“It’s easier for him to come in and be himself straight away because of that. But if you see his passion for the game and the way he trains it says a lot.
“James plays with real confidence and every winning side needs the energy and tactical knowledge of a player like James.
“It’s been great to see him developing and Evertonians have given him a terrific welcome. Now I want him to carry on growing with the club.â€
“When you sign a new player straight away you rely on how he’ll be welcomed, and we have the perfect set-up for that. The senior players here deserve credit for that.
“James takes everything in his stride and he’s part of a group of young players who share the same football demeanour. Strong characters on the pitch, but then very respectful and keen to learn off it. John Stones and Ross Barkley are the same.
“They give you real encouragement for the future. Some young players enjoy a bit of success and you don’t know how solid they’ll be with their work.They get volatile but that’s not the case here. They’re respectful and hungry to succeed which is ideal.â€