Leon Osman is more than just a bench man, insists Martinez 31 Oct 2013 07:00
Martinez believes Osman’s versatility and experience means midfielder will be seeing plenty of action
Roberto Martinez has dismissed suggestions Leon Osman is destined to become a supersub after his devastating impact for Everton FC last weekend.
Osman, introduced on the hour, created the opening goal for Romelu Lukaku and then scored himself to help the Goodison outfit secure a 2-0 win at Aston Villa.
The 32-year-old, who had started all previous eight Premier League games under Martinez, was dropped to the bench for Steven Pienaar after the South African’s own impressive turn as substitute the previous week in scoring the winner against Hull City.
Osman faces increased competition for places in a central midfield role with Ross Barkley, Gareth Barry and James McCarthy all in fine form.
But Martinez believes Osman’s versatility and experience means he can expect plenty of game time during the course of the campaign.
“It was the first time he’d come from the bench, otherwise he’d started every single game,” said the Everton manager.
“I think the good thing about Leon is that he can play many different positions and his experience is vital.
“The game against Villa was always going to be at a real high tempo and the way Villa play I thought it would be perfect for Leon to come on for the last 20 minutes.
“This is a team effort; Ross Barkley ran himself into the ground for Ossie to come on and replace him. It’s all about being ready.
“Ossie changed the game and gave a midfield masterclass.”
Osman will hope his Villa Park contribution can earn him a recall when Tottenham Hotspur visit Goodison on Sunday afternoon.
Victory will move Everton above the fourth-placed Londoners and continue their best start to a campaign since 2004.
Both John Heitinga and Antolin Alcaraz are expected to remain sidelined, with the latter having yet to pull on a blue shirt in a competitive match following his summer free transfer from Wigan Athletic having been struck by a troublesome hernia complaint.
Martinez, though, revealed the Paraguay international centre-back is remaining positive and is near to a return to fitness.
“With Antolin Alcaraz, the medical department has done a fantastic job in finding the perfect route to full recovery after a frustrating time for him at the start of his Everton career,” said the Spaniard.
“Even through a difficult time for Antolin he has never dropped his positive mentality or his work ethic, and finally we will be able to see him enjoying his football once more.”
Sunday’s game marks Everton’s final home match ahead of Remembrance Day, and to mark the occasion, before the match poppy wreaths will be laid on the centre circle and a minute’s silence will be observed.
Martinez said: “We’re all very keen to pay respect to the work of the Armed Forces, and the tribute at Goodison on Sunday will be a great moment for everyone to spare a thought on their efforts and the work that they do many, many, miles away from home.”
During the tribute, representatives of the Armed Forces will be joined by Standard Bearers from the Royal British Legion and former servicemen who are currently taking part in Everton in the Community’s health and wellbeing project Inside Right.
Source: Daily Post
