Everton manager Roberto Martinez believes Ross Barkley has the right to be compared to such players as Paul Gascoigne and Michael Ballack.
The 20-year old midfielder has been likened to the former Newcastle United, Tottenham and Rangers star and Germany and Chelsea ace and although the boss knows he will eventually become his own player, Martinez feels the England international deserves to draw the comparisons.
"Ross is going to draw those sorts of comparisons," said Martinez. "The way he is as a footballer, he can bring about memories of many different players.
"I think it is a phenomenal compliment (for someone) to see aspects of Ross' play comparable to Gascoigne, and I also mentioned before Michael Ballack's attributes when he was a young player, there are many similar things I see in him too.
"But the reality is that the longer you see Ross having a big role at our club, you are starting to see a unique footballer.
"Ross Barkley is himself and someone I think who is going to mark an era in English football."
