Everton boss Dave Moyes rates Joleon Lescott as among the best players in the Premiership.
"For me, and it is only my opinion, he is close to the best in the country as a left-back and as a left centre-back as well."
Lescott notched his sixth goal of the season against Manchester City on Saturday and his goalscoring record this season has reminded his manager of some of the great centre halves of the past.
Moyes said: "Joleon has been ruthless in front of goal but maybe not ruthless enough, because I want him to get 10 goals. If he wants to be a proper centre-half he could get 10 goals a season.
"I remember the likes of Tony Adams, Derek Mountfield, David Moyes all getting 10 goals so I am looking for Joleon to do the same," quipped the Everton boss.