Saturday 29 August 2015 22:21, UK
Roberto Martinez says John Stones could be a future England captain after watching him help Everton secure a point at Tottenham.
Stones, along with outstanding goalkeeper Tim Howard, was central in a rousing defensive display that saw the Toffees leave White Hart Lane with a 0-0 draw in Saturday night's Premier League encounter.
Everton have rejected a £38m bid from Chelsea for the 21-year-old and Martinez is delighted with the way he has dealt with being under the spotlight.
"Once more, John was always in control. He's an incredible defender, the way he reads the game and anticipates play," the Toffees boss said.
"He shows incredible composure and you would never say he's only 21 years old. He was under a lot of pressure, so his performance was that of someone who has the potential to become an England captain.
"We have our own ambitions and project, and John is a big part of that. He showed a really strong face against Tottenham.
"Absolutely he accepts he is an Everton player. We want to be a winning team and John is a big part of that. John has never let the fans or the club down and has played with incredible discipline."
Howard was instrumental in holding a dominant Tottenham side to a draw with high-class saves that denied Harry Kane, Ryan Mason and Toby Alderweireld in the first half.
"Tim was immense, not just with his actions, but he was talking and had good communication with the back four," Martinez said.
"Tim is a leader and an incredible influence in the dressing room. On the pitch he's enjoying his football, so I wasn't surprised by the way he played at all.
"I'm more than happy with the draw because we had to show a lot of character and personality."
