Roberto Martinez hails Baines as one of the world’s most complete players

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has hailed Leighton Baines as one of the world’s most complete players and admits that speculation over his future is inevitable.

The left-back has been in fine form this season for the Toffees and helped England qualify for the 2014 World Cup with two very assured performances against Montenegro and Poland during the international break.

After a summer of rumours that Everton star could be heading to Old Trafford to rejoin former boss David Moyes at Manchester United, Baines is set to be linked even more strongly with a move as he enters the final 18 months of his contract.

However, Martinez has dismissed concerns over Baines’ future and insists that the full-back will knuckle down and deliver as he always has done.

“You’re not going to stop the rumours and the talk; that comes with a player performing so well,” said Martinez. ”You are always going to get that. So I’m not concerned about that.

“As a manager, the only thing that concerns me is to see Leighton enjoying his football and being consistent with his performances.”

Martinez was less enthusiastic about the prospect of replacing the Liverpool-born star however, claiming that there are very few players in world football capable of matching him.

“You can’t replace a player like Leighton Baines, you can look throughout world football and you won’t find many footballers as complete,” added Martinez.

“Defensively he’s as good a left-back as you’re going to get and he now brings that sense of experience and maturity in his performances. He’s in the peak of his career.”

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Leighton Baines has won 86% of his tackles, winning 18 tackles this term.