Season › 2013-14 › News McCarthy and Barry — The Perfect Blend Michael Kenrick , 11 December, 0comments | Jump to most recent Roberto Martinez believes his “Perfect Blend” combination of James McCarthy and Gareth Barry in midfield represents the strongest partnership of its type in the Premier League. “You need that blend of experience and youth and that partnership reflects it perfectly,” says the Blues boss. “You've got the know-how of Gareth and the legs, freshness and bravery of James. Their partnership is as good as it gets in that blend. Those two are at the centre of everything. “They both share the attitude that should be part of any Everton player, that we must have a real arrogance on the ball. Also, their emphasis is on work-rate and trying to get the ball back. “You look at the consistency of Tim Howard , Sylvain and Jags, then all the way through to Ross, Leon and Rom. They have influenced that.” “It can get better of course,” he says. “The longer you play with each other it becomes instinctive rather than having to communicate and having to help each other. “Any partnership grows with games. It's exciting and pleasing. They have helped the style of football we're building; exciting to watch, dynamic and full of attacking threat with understanding of how to keep the ball and always thinking.” Quotes or other material sourced from Liverpool Echo About these ads © ToffeeWeb