Everton manager Roberto Martinez has stated that Gareth Barry sets a great example to the club's younger players.

The 34-year-old has become a key member of the Toffees midfield since joining from Manchester City in 2013.

Martinez has hinted that younger players, such as John Stones, Brendan Galloway and Ross Barkley, look up to the former England international.

"On the pitch, you don't get a better influence than someone like Gareth Barry, because he's always in the middle of everything," the Everton boss told Liverpool Echo.

"He's someone with composure and who understands the way we want to play, and that is a unique formula for a young player to be themselves. He is an example. In terms of leadership, he is very specific model. He leads with actions. He's got incredible standards. Everything he does, he means it.

"He's not vocal just for the sake of it, but he will be vocal if someone drops their standard and lets their level drop below what we expect. For me, the best way to show leadership is to put yourself through actions, and letting everybody else copy your example."

Barry has scored three goals in 81 appearances for Everton.