'Fantastic player' - Exclusive: Pundit heaps praise on Everton favourite – ‘9/10' every week

Leighton Baines is an "Everton legend" who was a "nine out of 10 nearly every week", according to Kevin Phillips.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Sunderland striker lavished praise on the veteran left-back following his decision to hang up his boots.

The 35-year-old announced his retirement from the professional game earlier this week after 13 years at Goodison Park.

And Phillips, who played against the left-back several times during his own career, was full of praise for the former England international.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: "He’s been a fantastic player.

"I played against him numerous times over my career. He’s been a consistent talent. He was a nine out of 10 nearly every week.

"He’s an Everton legend - good luck to him.

"He had a wand of a left foot, and he’s been such a great player for Everton."

Baines has enjoyed a wonderful career with Everton since signing from Wigan Athletic back in 2007 for £6.75 million.

Despite having never lifted any silverware, the full-back registered 420 outings for the Toffees, scoring an impressive 39 goals and assisting 67 others, with several coming from set-pieces taken with his trademark left boot.

In other Everton news, it can be REVEALED that a big-money Toffees deal is on the brink of collapse.

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