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Jordi Cruyff backs Martinez for success with Everton

Jordi Cruyff believes that Roberto Martinez has what it takes to succeed at Everton, a conviction borne not only out of his knowledge of the new Blues boss as a player but also as a long-time personal friend.

The 39 year-old son of Dutch legend Johan spoke with the Liverpool Echo's Greg O'Keeffe and described how he feels Martinez's experience as a defensive midfielder gives him a leg up when it comes to management, while also expounding on the other qualities that he feels will propel him to success at Goodison.

The pair became firm friends when they met competing at youth level in Spain — Cruff at Barcelona; Martinez at Real Zaragoza — a bond that developed such strength that the latter would become the former's best man at his wedding and godfather to his son.

As O'Keeffe writes, Cruyff, now Sporting Director at Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel, " is not simply dishing out platitudes for the sake of friendship." The 39 year-old former midfielder highlights Martinez's old position as a particular strength.

“I like managers who have been midfielders in their playing days, particularly defensive midfielders — the anchor between the defence and the midfield,” Cruff says.

“They have to be tactically aware. When you're a left-back or goalkeeper you usually have 10 players in front of you. But a defensive midfielder must have great awareness because they have players in front and behind them.

“A lot of successful coaches have played in that position. They develop a sort of sixth sense, and can read situations."

And Cruff has seen enough of Martinez's managerial career to date to identify a positive theme.

“He has a vision and he sticks to it.," Cruff continues. "He will want his players to stick to it as well, but he knows the importance of being flexible as a coach.”

“I think he has the personality to create a team which plays his idealistic football. He's shown that already in his managerial career. He wants football to be played in a certain style, and it's difficult to implement because your players must all be technically and tactically good."

Cruyff also speaks of his admiration at his friend's loan swoop for Spanish wonderkid Gerard Deulofeu who will spend a year at Everton developing further in the challenging environment of the Premier League.

“It's a hell of a move," Cruyff says. "He was very sought after by clubs such as Borussia Dortmund and Valencia. Barcelona are not usually eager to loan out players, especially not their biggest talents because they want to keep them close and playing the Barcelona way.

“They don't want other styles to effect their progress. The fact they put him in Roberto's hands means they trust him and think he will fit in with their style of play.

“You must understand he is one of the better talents at Barcelona and in La Liga. I would say I was proud for Roberto that Everton got him but, honestly, also a bit surprised.”

Quotes or other material sourced from Liverpool Echo

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