Jack Rodwell: 'Leighton Baines' influence will grow'

Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell has backed teammate Leighton Baines to have a greater influence on the team following Mikel Arteta's departure to Arsenal.

During his spell at Goodison Park, Spanish attacker Arteta made a reputation for himself as a dead-ball specialist.

However, Rodwell believes that full-back Baines can more than compensate for Arteta and has tipped the 26-year-old to have a good season on Merseyside.

"He's on penalties, free kicks and corners - he's an attacking full-back," Rodwell told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"He gets a lot of assists. Last season he was by far our best player.

"He's started out well again this season, he scored at the weekend."

Baines joined the Toffees in 2007 from Wigan Athletic.