Martinez supports under fire Everton defender Stones

Roberto Martínez has reacted to recent criticism of John Stones by claiming that the centre back has the potential to become “one of the greatest players that England has ever seen”.

The England worldwide was culpable in Everton’s defeat at the hands of Swansea at the weekend, with his ill-advised backpass to Tim Howard leaving the goalkeeper exposed into giving away a penalty. Never assess a player till they have 100 starts, then you can judge them.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has defended John Stones’s display against Swansea City after the defender was criticised. Football is a game of errors; football is a game where you have to learn from those situations.

He is a young man who has been through a lot and some of the performances this season have been magnificent. Is he finished article?

The 21-year-old has had an impressive season after Everton refused to sell to Chelsea despite a string of offers up to £35million and the player submitted a transfer request.

“What I would say is John Stones has got an incredible potential, he is still a young man and he is in the right environment to develop that potential into becoming a very very experienced footballer”, said the Spaniard as quoted by the Mirror.

Martinez expects Jagielka’s presence to make a difference.

The Spanish boss did have good news for Toffees fans, however, as Phil Jagielka, Seamus Coleman, Tom Cleverley, Steven Pienaar and James McCarthy are all fit to play. “Phil is a real influence in the dressing room and it is important he is fully refreshed”.

Martinez hopes his side can take advantage of their 2-1 victory at Goodison Park in the first leg to book a place in the final, putting the disappointing 2-1 home setback to the Welsh side on Sunday behind them.

“Disappointments are painful at the moment because results have not been fair in reflecting the efforts and football we have played”. Psychologically you need to go through those experiences to create a winning mentality.

“It will be an enormous landmark for the club if we can reach the final of the League Cup”.