Everton centre-back Ramiro Funes Mori has hailed his defensive partner John Stones, labelling him a 'great central defender'.

Mori, who scored his first home goal for the Toffees in their League Cup semi-final win over Manchester City on Wednesday, arrived in a £9.5m deal from River Plate in the summer.

He has struck up a strong partnership with Stones in the absence of injured captain Phil Jagielka and admits he is enjoying playing alongside the talented 21-year-old.

"He is a top player and has a lot of quality and I think I am playing with a great central defender," said 24-year-old Funes Mori.

"We have become more confident as we have got to know each other and that has produced positive results.

"I speak a lot with John during the game and we talk to each other a lot so we can cover each other's backs."