Everton manager David Moyes has declared that Leon Osman's emergence in the Toffees' midfield is indicative of how football has changed during the last decade.
Osman has become a key component at Goodison Park, enjoying an upturn in form which saw him earn an England debut early this season.
Moyes believes that Osman's spirit and willingness to embrace the physical side of English football has helped him become an established Premier League player.
He told the Daily Mail: "When he first came in 10 years ago the Premier League was a more physical place and there was more emphasis on physique.
"We sent Leon out on loan as a kid to try to develop the physical side and I think he went unnoticed a lot, but he made himself a career by being very combative and tough. If he had to mix it, he wouldn't shy away from that.
"Football has evolved over the time Ossie has been around. Barcelona have changed things with how they've done so well with small, talented footballers."
The 31-year-old has scored five times for Everton this season, including a strike in Monday's 5-1 win over Cheltenham Town in the FA Cup.
