England defender Leighton Baines says that the current Everton team is the best one he has played in.

The Toffees have enjoyed a strong start to the season and moved to third in the Premier League by beating Swansea City 3-0 at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.

The win came despite the absence of Nikica Jelavic, Darron Gibson and Tony Hibbert, and Baines believes that his side's strength in depth will help them this year.

"I think this is as good an Everton side as I have played in. The last time we were at this level was when we went on to reach the FA Cup final [in 2009]," said Baines. "We had a really strong squad then. Then it got broken up after that and I think it is only now that we are back to that level.

"We are a good team with good players sitting on the bench. That is going to be key as the season goes on.

"We have seen it when things have got a bit thin in terms of numbers and we have been forced to play young lads. Now we can call on experienced and seasoned professionals who would be playing in most teams. Victor's performance highlights that."

Everton welcome Southampton to Goodison Park next Saturday.