Derek Mountfield says Joleon Lescott is worthy of wearing the No5 jersey at Everton.
Mountfield, who made over 150 appearances for the Blues, believes the 24-year-old will serve the famous number 5 shirt well.
"Joleon was tremendous last season and I think by giving him the number 5 shirt will give him more confidence and I am sure he will do well."
Mountfield formed a solid partnership with Kevin Ratcliffe at the heart of the Toffees defence and he hopes the same will happen with Lescott and Joseph Yobo.
"Kevin played at left-back but his preferred position was centre-half which is quite similar to the situation Joleon was in last season," said Mountfield.
"When 'Rats' moved to centre-back he developed into a fantastic player and a superb captain. Hopefully Lescott can do the same and form a commanding partnership with Joseph Yobo in the long term.