Season › 2013-14 › News Boss states club's position on Baines Michael Kenrick , 3 July, 0comments | Jump to most recent Baines is the best left-back in the country Roberto Martinez has made it clear he sees Everton icon Leighton Baines as the best left back in the country, and a hugely important part of Everton's future, despite rumours that Manchester United are preparing to submit an improved offer to tempt him to make the switch to Old Trafford. Martinez said: "I think Leighton is more than a player, he is an icon. He represents a lot about our football club and I am really, really excited about Leighton. “A lot of people sometimes get upset when other clubs show an interest in your players — I always feel that that is a real compliment because that means Leighton is working and progressing really well. “But obviously he is someone who is vital for our future and for what we are going to achieve. This is a big season for him and for us as a club. "When you are the left-back of this football club, and the level that he has been reaching over the last few years consistently, it shows me that he is the best left-back in the country. "As a player, it's a very important year for him in terms of setting standards and trying to reach important things at the Club. And, in a World Cup year, we are really looking forward to seeing that real consistency of performances and making sure he can be himself, as he has been in the last few seasons. "I can't wait to start working with him.” Quotes or other material sourced from EvertonFC.com About these ads © ToffeeWeb