Landon Donovan has opened up on just how good his teammates were during his loan spells with Everton.
The USA international enjoyed two successful temporary periods with the Blues under the leadership of David Moyes in 2010 and 2012, and still holds an incredible connection with fans at Goodison Park.
However, despite holding a special place in his heart for the club even to this day, a permanent switch to Merseyside never materialised for the popular forward.
Donovan firmly believes that his teammates at Everton were some of the best he ever played with, and he held special praise for a select few - including cult heroes.
The former Blue told The Athletic: “I didn’t know about guys like Phil Neville. He wasn’t going to wow anyone or do something extra special but he was as good a pro as anyone I’ve played with.
“(Marouane) Fellaini! Man, people underestimate how effective he is. He doesn’t always look the smoothest but he was the most effective soccer player I ever lined up with. Every week after the last game, they would put up the running stats and every week, Fellaini was top.
“The other team would have a goal kick and Fellaini would come and drop on Johnny Heitinga or Phil Jagielka’s heels and he would win the header.
"We’d get the ball, Bainesy would bring it forward and then the guy in the box when he crossed — it was Fellaini. He would do everything on the field.
“Tim Cahill was one of the cleverest players I ever played with. His ability to make space for himself was crazy.
"Obviously, he was good in the air but it wasn’t just that. Then (Mikel) Arteta and (Louis) Saha, obviously.
“Pienaar; one of the most talented I ever played with. In the small-sided training games, you always wanted to be on the same side as Ossie (Leon Osman) or Pienaar. If you weren’t, you were probably going to lose.”
Donovan made 22 appearances for Everton across his spells on loan with the club, scoring two goals in that time.
