Everton manager Roberto Martinez hailed the attitude of Leon Osman after the midfielder marked his 400th appearance for the Toffees with the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over West Ham.
Midfielder Osman, 33, provided the decisive moment for Martinez's side when he got on the end of an Everton counter-attack to finish from close range at Goodison Park on Saturday.
West Ham substitute Mauro Zarate's deflected effort had earlier cancelled out Romelu Lukaku's opening goal from a suspiciously offside position.
Osman's 73rd minute goal was his 55th in all competitions for Everton and Martinez cited him as an example for everybody at the club.
"I thought Leon was outstanding throughout the game - not just because of his goal," Martinez said
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"His role was to protect the back four and to dictate the play in quite a deep area.
"So, the last person that you expect to see on the counter-attack is Leon. I think it was a reflection of what he is as a footballer because he has a clear idea of what he wants to achieve and he will achieve it.
"He got the winning goal in a very fitting performance and a very fitting appearance.
"Leon's a great ambassador for this club and young footballers only need to look at his grit and determination as an example."
