Everton manager Roberto Martinez has praised his defender Phil Jagielka following Saturday’s 1-1 Merseyside derby draw away at Liverpool on Saturday.
The Toffees trailed at Anfield thanks to Steven Gerrard’s free-kick, however a sublime long range effort from Jagielka preserved a point for Martinez’ side.
And Martinez was full of praise for his centre defender, following a fine individual performance from the England centre back.
“I don’t think I’ve seen a better strike in live football,” Martinez stated to Everton’s official website. “It had to be incredible to go in the top corner and it was.
“The way he adjusted his body is very impressive. And to get that power almost off the outside of his laces – it’s some strike.
“Phil has had a lot of unfair criticism from the outside recently and there is no better way to respond to adversity than that, because defensively he also played an important role for us today.”
The Everton manager also praised his sides stature following the point at Anfield, after a tough start to the Premier League season for the Goodison Park outfit.
Martinez continued his interview by stating: “We had two choices; accept it wasn’t our day or keep fighting.
“We showed incredible belief and character and we got our rewards.
“We had to show a great defensive intensity and we did that, though we weren’t ourselves going forward.
“As a result, I’d say it’s our best of the season so far because of what it could give us. It could lift us and change the dynamic of our season.
by Ben Reardon
@BenReardon1
