JACK RODWELL

A defensive midfielder who can also slot in at centre-back, Rodwell became a first team squad regular as a teenager and has been tipped for the top.

With the Everton Academy from an early age, he was just 14 when he made his Under-18s debut and made the step up to the reserves a year later. In March 2008, he made his senior bow as a substitute at Sunderland and did not look back as he became a regular and signed a new long-term contract.

He then struggled with injuries, meaning his development stalled somewhat, but 2011-12 saw the midfielder cement his place in the Everton side and prepare him for his first call-up to the England squad for friendlies in the lead up to Euro 2012.

While Rodwell didn’t make the final tournament, he was the subject of interest from Manchester City that summer and the Premier League champions swooped to bring him in for around £12 million.

Strengths: Good positioning and tackling skills make him an excellent defensive midfielder and he is strong enough and versatile enough to slot into defence as well.

Weaknesses: Consistency and a poor injury record that suggests he needs to work on his fitness. Maturity and experience will come.

Career high: A starring role in the final group game of the 2009 Under-21 European Championships against Germany, where he also scored a goal, saw him praised.

Career low: Controversially sent off for a tackle on Luis Suarez in the 2-0 derby defeat against Liverpool in October 2011. He left the field in tears. The red card was later rescinded.

Style: Combative, tough, a versatile defensive player.

Quotes: “I’ve seen indications that he has become a bit stronger in himself. He is more demanding. We’ve always looked after Jack with kid gloves but the gloves are off with him now.” Everton boss David Moyes, 2011.

Trivia: He came on as substitute against AZ Alkmaar at the age of just 16 years and 284 days to become the youngest ever Toffees player to play in Europe. Although that record was subsequently beaten by Jake Bidwell.