Baines hails Pienaar partnership

Baines has played 28 Premier League games this season

Everton defender Leighton Baines believes playing with Steven Pienaar is bringing the best out of both himself and the South Africa midfielder.

Baines, 24, and Pienaar, 27, have linked impressively down the left-hand side for the Blues this season.

"We have an understanding with each other and he helps me out defensively, he tracks back and works hard," Baines told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"Going the other way I'll run past him and create a bit of space."

Baines continued: "He's got such fantastic ability that if he gets that space he's not going to lose the ball.

I think it's important that you do your defensive job as best you can and then hopefully cause him a few problems as well going the other way

Leighton Baines on his upcoming battle with Aaron Lennon

"He will pick out a pass or will beat somebody, he's always productive so I think we have a good understanding at the moment down our side and Steven is someone I absolutely love playing with."

Next up for Everton as they chase a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League are Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Baines will be tasked with keeping in-form Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon quiet and the Kirkby-born defender is hoping to take the game to Lennon.

"I think it's important that you do your defensive job as best you can and then hopefully cause him a few problems as well going the other way," he said.