'Fellaini One Of The Best'

Tim Howard says Marouane Fellaini must be considered one of the best midfielders in the country.

The giant Belgian has been in fine fettle this season and turned in another dominating display to help the Blues ease past Blackpool and into the last eight of the FA Cup on Saturday.

The 24-year-old midfielder laid on Royston Drenthe for Everton's opening goal after just 49 seconds, setting David Moyes' men on their way to a comfortable 2-0 win.

“He [Fellaini] shows every week that he can compete and has the class and touch of a top quality midfielder," said Howard. “Often he outplays the other team’s central midfielder and that’s even against the top sides. We rely on him so heavily, he’s invaluable to us.

“He’s got a soft chest and controls the ball so well. It’s tough to mark him but you have to mark behind him because he’s so strong. He gives us so many options.”

In the absence of the injured Tim Cahill, Fellaini was deployed as an auxiliary forward alongside the scorer of Everton’s second goal, Denis Stracqualursi.

It’s a position the former Standard Liege man has filled sporadically during his three-and-a-half years with the Club and Howard believes his physical attributes make him ideal for a more attacking role.

He said: “I think he plays better up the pitch for us, but it’s hard depending on personnel to get him up there for us. He’s a handful for opponents.

“He will be one of the best for sure.”