In-Form Pienaar Takes Plaudits

Midfielder is Everton's best player 'by a mile' at present, says skipper.

Phil Neville says Steven Pienaar's current form is the best he's seen for some considerable time.

South African Pienaar scored one and made the other in his man of the match performance in Everton's 2-0 win over Sunderland last time out.

And with just three games before the FA Cup final, Neville knows the value of players in form.

"He has been outstanding for the last month," the skipper told evertonTV. "He has been our best player by an absolute mile. He's an infectious player and he gets on the ball and wants the ball.

"The combination of him and Bainesy (Leighton Baines) down the left hand side is as good as any in the Premier League, I feel."

Pienaar's strike was his second of the season (the other was away at Aston Villa) and Neville wants even more from the former-Ajax man, particularly with two home games approaching.

"Steven got the goal today, and that is something he needs to do more of," continued Neville. "He is a top, top player. One of the best I've played with since I've been at Everton.

"We want fifth position," he added after Villa regained that place with a win over Hull. "We have two home games now and we want to produce good performances; we want to give our fans something to shout about at home."

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