Jack Rodwell has hailed the consistency of Everton teammate Leighton Baines.
Baines, 26, scored Everton's second goal from the spot during last weekend's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa, and also secured a point for the Blues with a late penalty the last time they faced Wigan in April.
Rodwell told the Liverpool Echo: "He's more important than ever.
"He's on pens, he's on free-kicks, he takes corners as well.
"Bainsey is an attacking full-back who gets a lot of assists and last season he was by far our best player.
"He's started off well again, and scored at the weekend.
"He's a great player and will hopefully have a good game against his boyhood club."
