Saturday 29 August 2015 20:40, UK
Sky Sports football expert Thierry Henry hailed Everton defender John Stones for the way he is remaining focused, amid the ongoing transfer rumours surrounding him.
Stones has been pursued by Chelsea throughout the summer window, but Toffees boss Roberto Martinez considers the matter closed as the club remained firm that he is not for sale.
Saido Berahino has been left out by West Brom in recent weeks as the Baggies striker has been linked with an exit from the club, but Stones again featured for the Toffees as they held Tottenham to a 0-0 draw on Saturday Night Football.
And Henry was impressed with the way the 21-year-old has carried on playing despite all the transfer talk.
"It's not an easy situation," he said. "Did he ask to leave or didn't he? We will never know.
"You see the likes of Berahino not even going on the field, but whatever his choice is, he's going out there.
"He played against Barnsley [in the Capital One Cup] for the whole game and he had the same desire that he showed today.
"The same way he's brave on the ball, the same way he defends.
"He's going out there and trying to help Everton throughout all the stuff that's happening around him, so fair play to him."
Jamie Redknapp also believes Stones has been thoroughly professional during the saga, especially with the temptation of a big-money move.
"Roberto Martinez is either playing the greatest game ever, or he genuinely is going to keep him," he said.
"It's difficult, because he'll probably get on the coach and he'll have messages from everyone - from his agent saying 'Chelsea have already been on'.
"This is how football works.
"Especially with Chelsea's result today, conceding goals again, they will be desperate to get him. And you can see why - he's a top-class player.
"As much as anyone, it will be good for him when this window closes, wherever he may be. If he's at Chelsea or if he's at Everton, he can get on with his football.
"People like Berahino aren't even playing. He's getting on with it and he's giving good performances."