Following Brendan Galloway’s run in the first-team, Roberto Martinez has claimed he “keeps on surprising” him.

Galloway was brought into the first team this season after injuries to Bryan Oviedo and first choice left-back Leighton Baines – and he hasn’t looked back.

When speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Martinez said:

His maturity is very impressive. He takes each game as it comes. I haven’t seen him needing rest or to be taken out of the team. You need to measure it week to week and let football make the decision. I don’t think there’s a general rule for someone who is 19 and how many games you need to give them. It doesn’t work like that.

The most impressive thing about Galloway’s rise was he only joined Everton last year – from then League 1 MK Dons for just £150,000.

The Zimbabwean-born defender, who is primarily a centre-half but is no stranger to left-back, has figured in all but one of Everton’s games this season, and his performances have earned him adoration from the Goodison terraces, recognition in the England youth set-up, and rumours of interest from the likes of Manchester United.

Brendan keeps surprising everyone. We’ve been pleased how he adapted to different demands and he’s someone who is going to be quite special for the future. It’s also worth noting he has only played 20 first team games so far in his career, 6 of which have been from the bench. Leighton should be back soon as well as Bryan Oviedo and that gives us fantastic options. Brendan Galloway has earned the right of being in the first team squad and fighting for his position.

His performances during September recently earned himself Everton’s player of the month.

Galloway made his professional debut at just 15 years of age when he came on as a substitute against Nantwich Town in an FA Cup first round tie in 2011.

He has been likened to Rio Ferdinand due to his style on the ball and can play in a variety of positions, most notably centre-back, left-back and central defensive midfield.