Leon Osman celebrates scoring a goal for Everton against Swansea City
LEON OSMAN just keeps getting better for Everton and is more influential for the Blues than ever, says Leighton Baines.
The 30-year-old midfield schemer will achieve the 300-game landmark for the Toffees, if he is selected to appear against Fulham on Saturday.
And Baines believes his team-mate has grown to become one of the key performers at Goodison, because he is capable of changing games with his close control and skill.
He said: “Ossie’s been a terrific player for the club over the years and he’s continued to grow over the years. He’s a massively important player for us now.
“Since I’ve been here, I think he’s got better every year really and become more and more important to us. I thought last season he was great and this year he’s been fantastic again. He’s a vital part of the squad and the team.”
Osman made his Everton debut in a 4-3 defeat at Tottenham in January 2003, after he replaced Li Tie near the end of normal time.
More than a year later he scored his first senior goal for the Blues during an eventual 2-1 loss at Wolves.
Since then he has scored 41 times and is now set to follow fellow academy graduate Tony Hibbert in racking up a triple century of appearances.
“It’s fantastic,” added Baines. “To get to 300 games is a very nice landmark to reach. If you asked him if he’s playing the best football of his career he might agree with you.”
Osman is likely to keep his place in the side against Martin Jol’s in-form team, but another player keen to feature again after a cameo against Manchester United will be James McFadden.
The midfielder, 29, who joined as a free agent in October, has struggled to make many appearances on his return to Goodison, and is aware that time is running out for him to win a new deal beyond this summer.
The same applies to striker Denis Stracqualursi, who is on loan from Argentine side Tigre, in a deal which expires in the summer.
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