Roberto Martinez thinks Ross Barkley 'will be the best player England has ever had'

Everton manager Roberto Martinez continues to heap praise onto Ross Barkley.

Having recently stated that the 20-year-old midfielder was "born to play football," Martinez went one step - or perhaps many steps - further on Sunday and claimed that Barkley will be the greatest player in England's history.

"There is no doubt in my mind that he will be the best player England has ever had," said Martinez, speaking at a supporters' gala in Liverpool, according to ESPN FC. "Ross has everything. Normally a player has the pace and power to get around the pitch or they have the vision to pick a pass. Ross can do both of those things -- not only that he is in love with the game.

"All he wants to do is play football and he will also be the biggest asset Everton have ever had. Players are big assets and I think you have to be able to cope with that. We have a lot of interest in our players because that's a sign that we're playing well and we have attracted a lot of attention.

"The trick is, and the key to this situation, is that we don't have to sell. As a club, it's not at the end of a window that we have to sell a player to balance the books."

Barkley has been linked with a move to Manchester City, who are said to be lining up a bid for the midfield prodigy. However, Martinez claims that such a move is a rumour.