The player Graeme Jones claimed was the ‘most important’ signing Roberto Martinez ever made at Everton

Add as preferred source on Google

Everton fans will have respect for Roberto Martinez after his mixed spell with the Toffees.

Martinez took on the daunting role of trying to replicate David Moyes’ success following his departure to Manchester United in 2013.

Of course, this has now become clear the only man who can replace Moyes at Everton is Moyes himself.

Nevertheless, the Spaniard developed a squad of brilliant players at Everton, as the likes of John Stones, Ross Barkley, and Romelu Lukaku made their mark.

Lukaku had a sour end at Everton but one player who didn’t was arguably Martinez’s prized asset during his tenure.

Graeme Jones claimed Gareth Barry was ‘the brain’ at Everton

Graeme Jones was the assistant to Martinez during his time at the club who would have no doubt played his part in developing these names.

Everton could sign Stones in what would be a sensational return in the summer, but Moyes might be seeking someone who emulates Gareth Barry’s time with the Toffees.

The veteran midfielder was a gem of a signing who brought so much to Martinez’s side, as Steven Naismith was stunned by Barry’s ability.

It seemed like a theme around the club as speaking to The Athletic, Jones highlighted that Barry was Martinez’s ‘most important’ signing at Everton.

“Gareth Barry was our most important piece of business. He was the brain of the team,” Jones said in 2020.

“He is the finest professional I have ever worked with and if you bear in mind I worked with the Belgian national team, that’s a big statement.”

READ MORE: Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti refuse to give in to Everton transfer demand

Moyes has finally found Barry’s replacement at Everton

Barry was an excellent piece of business from Farhad Moshiri, which is a sentence not said often.

After arriving on a free from Manchester City, it’s exactly what Everton needed in the heart of their midfield, as Barry was a class act in passing and tackling.

155 appearances later, Evertonians have been begging for someone to replicate Barry’s performances.

The recruitment team have tried and failed, as after attempts with Muhamed Besic and Morgan Schneiderlin to name a few, hope was fading.

Idrissa Gana Gueye did give a slither of hope after his first three seasons at Goodison Park, but PSG came knocking. However, that hope has now been restored.

Since returning, Gueye has been exactly what Everton have been missing and has finally filled the void of Barry, with Moyes being impressed with Gueye.

With his contract expiring this summer, the 35-year-old seems as though he’s got the legs to keep going for years, and the fact that Gueye is the Premier League’s best tackler says it all.

Barry set the standard at Everton, but the baton has finally been passed.