The former Real Madrid, Barcelona Inter Milan and Chelsea striker has landed at Everton at the tail end of his career....but his manager reckons he is still as motivated and determined as ever.
The striker showed that with two goals at Burnley on Sunday, and Blues boss Martinez revealed that the Cameroon international has been a breath of fresh air around the training ground.
“To have Samuel here is like a gift from the footballing Gods. To have someone of his experience is the perfect ingredient for our young players, the way he’s been training and working to a perfect fitness peak has been of pristine professionalism,” he said.
“Then in terms of finishing qualities and what he brings to the side is of the highest quality. It's important we give him the right playing time – but clearly to see his performance not just on Sunday, but in every role he’s had so far, has been really high standard.
“I'm really excited to see him in the second half of the season, his finishes against Burnley looked like the old good time Samuel Eto'o.
“He comes in every day wanting to work and does it with style, which is something everyone can learn from. He has a massive influence on those around him.”
While Martinez is delighted with the contribution of his bold summer signing, he reckons that skipper Phil Jagielka has been an even bigger influence.
Martinez explained that his captain's ability to adapt and learn has made him not only play the best football of his career, but lead the Blues out of their early-season slump.
The England centre-half has been clocked as the Premier League's fastest player after being recorded sprinting at 35.99 kph against Leicester, but it is his speed of thought that makes him invaluable, says his manager.“I think after the World Cup he's gone up another level again. He’s a phenomenal footballer for us and I feel he's enjoying the best moments of his career,” Martinez explained.
“He has adapted his game to play on the left this season. We've seen him play there, on the right, at full back and in midfield, and he has the understanding of all those positions which really helps him.
“He has become a proper leader and a proper captain, and I think his game has progressed to be able to help this team.
“It's not just that he's quick. I believe the stats, because he covers the ground so rapidly, but it his mindset that is so important to us, in the way he leads the team.”
Martinez has a near clean bill of health for this weekend's visit of Swansea, with only John Stones and Kevin Mirallas ruled out.
Source: mirror
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