Everton captain Phil Neville is thrilled to see John Heitinga performing so well at centre-back.

The Dutchman has taken a little while to adapt to the Premier League following his move to Goodison Park from Atletico Madrid in 2009 but Neville feels he is now a key member of the Toffees line-up.

"He loves playing for Everton Football Club and as someone who plays at the top level for Holland, that is fantastic," Neville told the club's official website.

"It does take players a while to settle in. I think we have three unbelievable centre-backs that would walk into any other team in the Premier League.

"We have got competition for places and I think that is why we have got the level of performance that Johnny is producing.

"I think the thing is he is playing in his best position. He played in midfield and he always said playing at centre-back is his best position.

"He has been unbelievable, using his experience and composure on the ball. I think it has been his best form since he came to the Club."

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