Martinez hails McCarthy and claims midfielder is worth DOUBLE the £13m Everton paid for ex-Wigan man
Roberto Martinez has hailed James McCarthy’s outstanding first season at Everton and believes the Republic of Ireland midfielder has doubled his value.
McCarthy became the second most expensive player in Everton’s history when Martinez went back to his old club Wigan Athletic on transfer deadline day with a £13million bid; he has subsequently provided intelligence, assurance and ensured Marouane Fellaini hasn’t been missed.
He might not be the type of player who regularly commands back page headlines or provides spectacular moments of skill but his importance to what Martinez wants to achieve at Goodison Park is crucial and McCarthy is unquestionably one of the first names his manager selects.
Impact: Roberto Martinez has hailed James McCarthy's start to life as an Everton player this season
Good business: The Toffees' boss Martinez paid £13m for the player, claiming he is now worth double
It has prompted Martinez to declare that if McCarthy was to be on the market now, clubs would need to start bidding in the region of £25million, given the experience he has, to go alongside his ability and temperament.
‘The investment we made in James was a big investment but it was a safe investment because I knew his character inside out,’ said Martinez. ‘Everyone can find out about the player by watching the games but when you get to work with a character like him, you know it is a safe investment.
‘That is very important for us because on the character side of things the players at Everton have to be perfect. And I think we have a group now who respect each other, they know each other and they have real high standards and that is why it was a real safe bet at whichever price.
‘The figure is what you are prepared to pay and how much other teams rate him and how much you can increase that value in the market. The value of James McCarthy in the market is probably double that figure now if not more.’
Close quarters: McCarthy was brought to English football from Hamilton by Martinez while at Wigan in 2009
Everton’s pursuit of a first top four finish since 2005 will continue on Saturday against Norwich at Goodison Park and McCarthy’s partnership with Gareth Barry has been crucial in helping Martinez’s squad attack the Champions League spots.
He has yet to score for his new club but Martinez, who initially brought McCarthy to Wigan from Hamilton, feels he has the attributes to blossom into a player who can contribute 10 goals from midfield in the future, especially when he is moved further forward.
Partnership: Gareth Barry's understanding with McCarthy is a major factor in Everton's good run
His immediate target, though, is to carry on as he has been. Everton’s slick passing style has won them plenty of admirers this year and Martinez believes McCarthy is a throwback to the kind of midfielders, with strength and vision, that Evertonians have idolised.
‘The challenge is to maintain the level he has,’ says Martinez. ‘He has had a very good start. He is one of those players and you watch him and say “he fits so well in that football club” and I think there is a real love for that type of midfielder.
‘I think the Evertonians see James McCarthy as the midfielder they would pick and like. He has that urgency to get the ball back but also show composure and style on the ball. He is still only 23 and the amount of games he has played in the Premier League (136 appearances) is unheard of.
‘He is still a young man and he can improve and get better. That is probably his challenge for the season to be able to maintain the level that he has and carry on winning games. He is one of those players who you tell success by winning games because he is so influential on the ball and off it.
‘He is capable of a 10-goal season later in his career. I think he can play in different positions. He is like Ross Barkley; he has the physicality to play in many positions. Then comes the intelligence of the player. I love with his tactical awareness and tactical discipline.’
Source: Mail
