Source: SKY_Sports
Moyes hails versatile Heitinga
David Moyes has revealed one of the reasons he signed Johnny Heitinga was because he can play in a variety of positions across the back four.
The Dutch international is at home in the centre of defence but is equally adept at right-back, with Moyes also championing his ability as a defensive midfielder.
The Toffees boss has been keen to replace the versatile Joleon Lescott, who could play across the back four, with an equally adaptable defender.
Moyes believes he has got his man after Heitinga completed his move to Goodison Park for £7million from Atletico Madrid before the transfer window shut on Tuesday.
"He is here to give me cover at centre-half and at right-back," the Scot said.
"Until Phil Jagielka returns from injury we need another player who can fill in at centre-back and I also felt we needed more competition at right-back.
"Johnny is comfortable in both those roles and he has also some knowledge of playing a central defensive midfield role."
Heitinga made a name for himself at Ajax but a disappointing first season at Atletico last year gave Everton the chance to snap him up.
"This is an important season for Johnny with the World Cup coming up and I am sure he will want to be playing regularly so that he goes to South Africa next summer," he added.
"He had a difficult season last year at Atletico Madrid when he perhaps didn't do as well as he would have liked. But prior to that he was outstanding for Ajax.
"I felt the price for him offered excellent value compared to the prices we were being quoted for other players."
