World class Lahm is model for Baines as Everton boss Martinez considers moving star defender into deep-lying midfield role



Roberto Martinez is ready to turn Leighton Baines into Everton’s Philipp Lahm after taking the England left back on an unexpected midweek scouting trip.

Martinez and Baines were in the crowd at Old Trafford on Tuesday night for Manchester United’s Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich and the Everton manager’s specific intention was for the 28-year-old to see Lahm in action.

Lahm is regarded as one of the best full-backs in the modern era but this season he has been converted into a deep-lying midfielder by Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola, who regards the Germany captain as 'the most intelligent player' he has worked with.

VIDEO Scroll down to watch Martinez discuss Everton's chances of a top-four finish

Observing: Leighton Baines (above) was at Old Trafford to watch Manchester United vs Bayern Munich

Baines, who was a target for Bayern Munich in 2010, has become the best left back in England over the last couple of seasons but Martinez is adamant that his quality, technique and athleticism would ensure he could seamlessly move in-field and operate with same panache as Lahm.

‘It was a very good experience,’ said Martinez. ‘When you are a player, you watching the game in a different manner so it was good for Leighton to watch a player I feel he can be as good as or even better. That was the reason behind taking him.

‘Leighton doesn't give the ball away. He's got a very low centre of gravity and technically he’s as good as it gets. It’s a role I know Leighton can fulfil. I'm not saying he is ready for it now, I want him to concentrate on being a left back, but overall I think it's important for him to have it in his mind.

Learning: Roberto Martinez (right) wanted Baines to watch Bayern's Philipp Lahm in action

Future: Baines (left) could move from defence to midfield much like Bayern captain Lahm



Versatile: Lahm (right) has been converted into a deep-lying midfielder by Bayern boss Pep Guardiola

Confident: Martinez is convinced that Baines (right) can 'step up to a new challenge'

‘He has risen to so many challenges. He goes away with England and becomes exceptional. I’m convinced he can step up to a new challenge. He can be more expansive in central midfield than in his left back role. That's why I wanted him to see (Lahm) first-hand.’

This is not the first time Martinez has tried something so unusual. When he was Swansea manager in 2007, he took his squad to Barcelona to see them play Celtic in the Champions League as he wanted them to see how to keep possession; Swansea ended up winning the League One title that season.



‘It was a very powerful experience,’ Martinez explained. ‘It helped the penny drop.’

Martinez is not afraid to think outside the box and on Sunday he will attempt to find a way of hoodwinking Arsene Wenger, as Everton attempt to seize the initiative in the race for fourth place by beating Arsenal at Goodison Park.

Form: Baines looks to have pipped Ashley Cole (right) by becoming England's No 1 left-back

Mind the gap: Everton can move to one point behind Arsenal with a win against the Gunners on Sunday

Everton will be without captain Phil Jagielka, who could be two weeks away from returning after a hamstring problem, but Martinez is confident that his squad are 'in the right moment' as they look to record an achievement that would transform the perception of the club.

‘There are seven games to go and the fact we mathematically have a chance to get into the top four is massive,’ said Martinez. ‘I do think if we get European qualification this season, it will be very much important for what is coming in the next few years.

