Everton captain Leighton Baines has been a massive part of the club's history, but the left-back was almost dropped into the team by the Toffees' coaching staff
David Moyes, known for his astute signings during his initial tenure at Everton, has already reaped the benefits of recruiting the likes of Charly Alcaraz and Jack Grealish during his second spell. However, one of Moyes' most significant early signings might not have happened without a nudge from his assistant.
Club legend Leighton Baines, who joined Everton's coaching staff after hanging up his boots in 2020, was initially overlooked by the Scottish manager. Eventually, though, the boss will have been happy No.2 Alan Irvine talked him round and convinced him to sign the defender from Wigan for £6million in 2007.
Baines went on to make over 400 appearances for Everton during his decade-long stint at Goodison Park. Only three players - Seamus Coleman, Tim Howard and Leon Osman - have made more Premier League appearances for Everton. No player boasts more assists for the club in the competition, and he sits amongst the all-time top 40 for the Premier League.
"David would tell you, I actually forced him to sign Leighton (as a player)," Irvine told The Athletic. "Joleon (Lescott) gave us an extra big one (at left-back), and he initially wasn't sure about Leighton. I used to bang the drum for the small ones because I was a late developer."
These days, aged 40, Baines is already making significant strides in the next phase of his career. "He's already a very good coach and could become a manager one day," Irvine said of the former defender. "He's got good ideas about the game and he's very well prepared for sessions.
"He has a good way about him in terms of delivering it, real attention to detail, which is important," the Scottish coach added. Irvine isn't the only one to have praised him, either.
Back in March, Everton defender Jake O'Brien discussed the influence Baines was wielding under Moyes at both ends of the pitch."We are not just doing it collectively but individually after training with coaches," the Irishman said after scoring a late equaliser against West Ham.
"That is part of the training we are working on, getting into the final third and creating chances," he added. "Leighton has been a big part of it; all the coaches have been part of it, getting a few players in, attacking and defending, working on different things.
"I think it showed in glimpses today. The more games I play, the more comfortable you become. You adapt to and I have good lads and coaches around that helps."
Everton have managed to stay unbeaten in three matches this season, following an initial defeat at Leeds. They also triumphed over Mansfield Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup. However, Moyes, Baines and the rest of the team face a stern test this weekend as they go head-to-head with Liverpool on Saturday lunchtime.