Everton boss Roberto Martinez has defended his decision to leave Ross Barkley out of the side that held local rivals Liverpool to a goalless draw on Saturday.

Martinez hailed the England international as the best young prospect in the country but admitted that Saturday's Merseyside derby called for a "different approach".

Martinez told talkSPORT: "Ross, for me, is the most talented English footballer we have had for many, many years, but, in the same manner, he is a young man and we need to protect him at times.

"We always knew Ross could give us that quality, that special moment, and it nearly was the case when he put Seamus Coleman through for the best chance of the game.

"But Ross Barkley is a phenomenal talent and he is a player we want to build the team around. But, at the weekend, it was a different approach to the game."

Everton travel to Chelsea on Wednesday evening.

Written by
Paul Gorst