LEON OSMAN just keeps getting better for Everton and is more influential for the Blues than ever, says Leighton Baines.
The 30-year-old midfield schemer will achieve the 300-game landmark for the Toffees, if he is selected to appear against Fulham on Saturday.
And Baines believes his team-mate has grown to become one of the key performers at Goodison, because he is capable of changing games with his close control and skill.
He said: “Ossie’s been a terrific player for the club over the years and he’s continued to grow over the years. He’s a massively important player for us now.
“Since I’ve been here, I think he’s got better every year really and become more and more important to us. I thought last season he was great and this year he’s been fantastic again. He’s a vital part of the squad and the team.”
Osman made his Everton debut in a 4-3 defeat at Tottenham in January 2003, after he replaced Li Tie near the end of normal time.
More than a year later he scored his first senior goal for the Blues during an eventual 2-1 loss at Wolves.
Since then he has scored 41 times and is now set to follow fellow academy graduate Tony Hibbert in racking up a triple century of appearances.
“It’s fantastic,” added Baines. “To get to 300 games is a very nice landmark to reach. If you asked him if he’s playing the best football of his career he might agree with you.”
Osman is likely to keep his place in the side against Martin Jol’s in-form team, but another player keen to feature again after a cameo against Manchester United will be James McFadden.
The midfielder, 29, who joined as a free agent in October, has struggled to make many appearances on his return to Goodison, and is aware that time is running out for him to win a new deal beyond this summer.
The same applies to striker Denis Stracqualursi, who is on loan from Argentine side Tigre, in a deal which expires in the summer.
Tigre have indicated that they would want a fee in excess of £5m for a permanent transfer, and it remains to be seen whether the 24-year-old’s three goals in 25 appearances have convinced David Moyes to part with a hefty chunk of his budget.
Stracqualursi was an unused substitute at Old Trafford, where midfielder Marouane Fellaini was again asked to push forward and help Everton in attack.
The Belgian starred in a more advanced role and scored the Blues’ second goal in the 4-4 draw.
“The manager put me behind the striker and I played for the team. The manager decided that and I was happy,” he said. “When I played in Belgium, I didn’t play this position. But when I came to Everton, the manager put me in behind the striker and I played well and scored some goals. It was good for me.
“At the moment the team is scoring lots of goals and we have now four games which we will try to win and the first is against Fulham. I hope and we will try to win every game. The team wants to finish above Liverpool. We will try.”
Everton take on Fulham at Goodison Park on Saturday at 3pm and tickets are still available. Prices start from £30 for adults and £15 for juniors. To buy call 0871 663 1878, visit evertonfc.com/ eticketing or go to the box office.
