Leighton Baines has been enthused by the attitude as much as the talent of the young players who have broken into Everton’s first-team this season.
Baines, 32, is the second longest-serving player in the squad, joining less than a month after captain Phil Jagielka arrived at Goodison Park in July 2007.
As a senior figure in the home dressing room, Baines understands his responsibility in ensuring young players stepping up from the Under-23s setup make a comfortable transition.
Baines has been there to support Tom Davies, Mason Holgate, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Matthew Pennington, all players who have starred for the Toffees.