Sports News of Saturday, 19 September 2015

Source: goal.com

Martinez hails Andre Ayew ahead of EPL clash

Andre Ayew in a show Andre Ayew in a show

The Ghana international has enjoyed an incredible first month in the English flagship competition, an exploit not lost on the Toffees’ manager

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has hailed Swansea’s Andre Ayew ahead of their weekend clash in the English Premier League.

The two sides are set to face off at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday in what would be Ayew’s sixth game of the season.

In his first five outings, the winger has netted three times and provided an assist, leading to being adjudged the Premier League Player of the Month of August as well as the Best African Player in the English topflight for the month.

“He’s been very impressive. You don’t often get that sort of adaptation so quickly,” Martinez told the club’s official website.

“You need to be a very intelligent human being away from being a footballer to do that.

“He has adapted to the physicality of the league, he is a clever footballer, technically very gifted and he gets in very good goal scoring positions and is calm and composed.”

The Spaniard coach also had some kind words for Swansea manager Garry Monk for his efforts in handling the former Marseille man.

“It’s credit to Garry Monk and the environment that he has created,” Martinez added.

“It is a team effort to allow a player to feel good and contribute. Huge credit goes to the manager for creating that environment.

“The new signings have adapted really well into the pace of the game. This team is ready to replicate their success from the last campaign.”

The two side’s shared the spoils in their last meeting at the Liberty Stadium in April. Aaron Lennon and Jonjo Shelvey each scored in the 1-1 stalemate.