Everton Football Club News

• Nickname:Toffees
• Founded:1878
• Manager:David Moyes

• Ground:Goodison Park
• Capacity:42,440

Pienaar impresses Wenger

11 Jun 2010 - 09:44:56

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has praised Everton playmaker Steven Pienaar for his improved form for the Toffees last season.

Pienaar, getting ready to play for hosts South Africa in the World Cup finals, has been heavily linked with a move away from Goodison Park, but Wenger did not suggest that his club would be an interested party.

He commented: "Pienaar has grown this year.

"He was usually a very busy player where the final ball was missing a little bit, but this year he has gained in personality and he has kept his work-rate, so he has been much more efficient.

"What also played a big role in his growth was that Mikel Arteta was not there for a while and that he had to take the responsibility of being the playmaker of the team.

"He was one of the best players in England this year. He would get into the Arsenal team. I have always had an eye on him since he was at Ajax."