Martinez: Lennon has fit in the dressing room and culture of Everton

Everton manager Roberto Martinez is delighted at the way that on-loan Spurs winger Aaron Lennon has settled into life on Merseyside.

Lennon has impressed Everton fans with his performances this season and Martinez believes that Lennon is impressing because he is enjoying his football again.

Martinez said: “There will be others interested. When you see Aaron enjoying his football in the way that he is, he is quite a unique footballer.

“The pace that he has, the understanding, the work rate, how effective he is.

“He got another penalty, that is two penalties in the last two home performances.

“He is always a threat, he has fit in the dressing room really well and fit in the culture too. You can see the fans appreciate Lennon as an Evertonian.

“The only thing that matters is we are very privileged to have him here on loan and we want him to play every single game that is left with real enjoyment.”

Martinez said: “Aaron is in love with the game, I’ve been so impressed with that. Whether it is in training or in games, he is just prepared to put a shift in. He has been infectious.

“The players in those forward positions have been looking at Aaron and realise they need to do the same in terms of being in the team.

“It has been an incredible infectious boost for the team and Aaron is a man that enjoys his football and that is his answer.

“When he is on the football pitch he loves giving it everything, taking people on, being direct with intent at the play and for us that sort of player helps us a lot.

“I want him to carry on enjoying his football and I am thankful that he is in our dressing room.”

He said: “I’ve never been worried about what is going to happen at the end of it.

“You see sometimes when you make loan moves permanent they don’t work out then sometimes it is the opposite – you sign a loan player and he becomes the best player you could ever sign because you know him and his character has been tested, they know the way the team works.

“With all honesty we are not going to think about that situation until the season is over.”

Should Everton sign Lennon on a permanent deal?

Everton Fan? Comment below or have your say on our dedicated Everton Forum at www.theevertonforum.co.uk/forum