Martina has deputised at left-back for the injured Leighton Baines at Everton.
Everton striker Oumar Niasse and manager Sam Allardyce have told the club’s official website that criticised defender Cuco Martina deserves to be showered in plaudits following the Toffees’ 3-1 win over Crystal Palace.
Allardyce watched on from the dugout as Everton put their 5-1 drubbing by Arsenal behind them to earn three points at Goodison Park against another former England manager in Roy Hodgson.
Niasse was one of the goalscorers, and was assisted by right-footed defender Martina who has been forced to play out of position on the left side of defence since the injury to Leighton Baines.
Senegal international Niasse heaped praise on the Ronald Koeman signing, sympathising with the former Southampton ace by stating it is hard to play on your weaker side while Allardyce complimented Martina by looking at his stats.
Niasse said: “Cuco is right footed and playing left-back, which is very difficult for a defender. He is trying to do his best, always. I know the guy, he is a great player and put in a really good cross today. Hopefully he will continue doing that.”
Allardyce said: “Cuco’s stats, both defensively, and certainly in possession, are good. He is very comfortable, he never looks flustered, he looks calm. Certainly, from our point of view – and he is not playing in his natural position – he is doing a very, very good job.
“I do not quite know where we might have been without him.”
Signed on a free by Koeman as back-up, Martina has seemingly become a vital cog in Everton’s side as he first replaced Seamus Coleman before Jonjoe Kenny’s breakthrough and the Ireland international’s recovery from a broken leg.
It saw him switch to left-back when Baines suffered injury, and he has gone on to make 26 appearances this season in all competitions. With Baines returning from injury, it remains to be seen if Allardyce keeps Martina in the side.
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