Everton FC should not re-think their tiki-taka influenced style of play because of the waning fortunes of Barcelona and the Spanish national team, insists John Stones .
The Blues defender claims Roberto Martinez ’s tactical vision for his side encapsulates the best parts of the continental approach with his own unique Goodison spin on it.
And he slammed the notion that Spain’s World Cup group stage exit means a possession-based philosophy is no longer effective.
He said: “I disagree with that. How many trophies have Barca and Spain won? They have their style and you can only try and do something similar with your team.
“Aspects of our game we do like them but as Everton we are unique and we’ve got what the gaffer has taken from the likes of Barca but with our own stamp on it.
“I’m sure Evertonians are liking how we’re playing; attractive football but also getting results and that’s what we need to carry on doing.”
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Stones flourished so much last term playing under Martinez that he narrowly missed out on inclusion in England’s World Cup squad at the age of 20.
The centre-back received widespread acclaim for his technical ability and willingness to bring the ball out from the back.
But while he acknowledges that will always be part of his game, he insists that as a defender he is equally focussed on keeping clean sheets.
“For our style of play we love to be comfortable on the ball and hurt teams with possession,” he said.
“We can all do that. But as a defender you’ve got to have a clean sheet mentality first and foremost, then you can get on the ball and play out.
“As much as I want to get on the ball, keeping a clean sheet for the team is an equal priority. They’re as important.”
Another influential figure as the Toffees evolved their passing play last term was Gareth Barry, who made 37 appearances while on loan from Manchester City.
The 33-year-old is now a free agent and Martinez remains keen to persuade him to join on a permanent deal, although reports yesterday that a breakthrough in that regard is imminent appear to be wide of the mark.
Although the Blues are working hard to make a deal happen, the ECHO understands Barry still has other offers on the table from elsewhere and is yet to make up his mind on his next step.
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