Former Arsenal star Giovanni van Bronckhorst has been impressed by Johnny Heitinga's progress at Everton.
Heitinga is entering his third season at the Club having arrived from Atletico Madrid in 2009, and Van Bronkhorst believes Premier League football has helped his former international teammate reach another level in his career.
"John has really matured over the last couple of years," he told evertonfc.com. "Which is why he is a key player for the Dutch national team. Obviously I have not seen too much of his games at Everton, but I assume his experience in the Premier League have made him stronger and better.
"Every week he is up against the best forward players in the world. If that does not kill you, it certainly makes you stronger.
"John is a crucial player for the Dutch national team. I have had the pleasure of playing aside him for a long period, and in that period I have seen him grow into the player he currently is. I think he will remain a pivotal player for Holland for years to come."
