Signing Robertson & Forrest could see Baines in central midfield

Reports today are again linking Everton manager Roberto Martinez with moves for Dundee United’s impressive left-back Andrew Robertson and also Celtic winger James Forrest as the Daily Record runs the story.

Certainly the signing of Robertson could lead to Leighton Baines playing in central midfield as Martinez looks to explore options.  The young Scot has just won the SFA young player of the year award and is seen as being one of the best young players in Scotland having had a quick rise from part-time football.

Martinez recently said that Baines would be comfortable in the middle ala Philip Lahm and with Gareth Barry’s Everton future unsure, Martinez could try this new bold tactic.

“I’ve always thought Leighton can develop into Philipp Lahm’s role, it is in his make-up,” the Everton manager said. “Not this season but in seasons to come he is someone who can play in that central role. I wanted him to watch Philipp Lahm in a live game because when it’s on TV you only see the player when he’s on the ball. It was good for Leighton to watch a player I feel he can be as good as or even better.

“Like Lahm, Leighton doesn’t give the ball away, he’s got a very low centre of gravity and technically he is as good as it gets. When you have that control of the ball and have been such a good defender, and as a left-back you have to be very good on one-v-one situations, it is very important to have that defensive mindset in those midfield areas. That is important for defensive balance. As a player Leighton has been through so many different experiences and has always found a way to rise to new challenges in his career. I am convinced he can step up to a new challenge. You need to look at the physicality and he is a naturally fit boy so can easily go into the role. He can be more expansive in central midfield than in his left back role. That’s why I wanted him to see it first hand.”

Certainly the chase for Robertson leads us to believe that he is the natural successor to Baines and they have similar attributes to their game.

Also linked is Celtic star James Forrest who is seen as a permanent replacement for Gerard Deulofeu should the Spaniard not rejoin on loan.  Forrest, who has had an injury plagued season, is linked with a £7m move south of the border.

Could you see Baines playing alongside James McCarthy in central midfield if Robertson signs?  Comment below or have your say at www.theevertonforum.co.uk/forum on our specialist Everton forum.