Everton striker Romelu Lukaku has insisted that Gareth Barry is a vital part of the team following the midfielder's milestone appearance last weekend.
The former Manchester City star played in the 700th game of his career during Everton's goalless draw against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.
"Gareth is fundamental to our team," the Liverpool Echo quotes Lukaku as saying. "He's the one who coaches all the young players around him as the game is going on.
"If you see, he is the player with the most experience in the middle of the park and he has all the young players around him and he needs to coach us through the game sometimes."
Barry joined Everton in 2014 following a season-long loan at Goodison Park.
