Everton may have just blown away their hopes of claiming an improbable Champions League spot following the disappointing 2-0 loss at the hands of Southampton on Saturday but, regardless of whether or not the Toffees qualify for the Champions League, it has been a season to remember for many reasons.

Following years of stability under David Moyes, many had expected Everton to struggle but Roberto Martinez has brought a freshness to Goodison Park and there is a renewed sense of optimism among Toffees’ faithful.

While there many things Martinez has done brilliantly since his arrival, his trust in young players has been admirable. Admittedly his predecessor in David Moyes was also a great believer in thrusting young players into the first team but Martinez has perhaps taken it to a next level in helping youngsters flourish.

It is evident that the likes of Ross Barkley, Seamus Coleman, Romelu Lukaku and Gerard Deulofeu have taken the league by storm under the tutelage of Martinez but young John Stones’ remarkable rise to prominence has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Spotted by Moyes, Stones was brought to Goodison Park in January last season from Sheffield United for a fee of around £3million but was considered too raw to be given a start. After the departure of Moyes though, there were fears that the teenager would probably find it hard to break into the first team under a new manager.

However, in Roberto Martinez, the Toffees had appointed a manager who was a firm believer in youth and there was hope for Stones.

With established stars such as Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka performing so well, Stones would have to bide his time during the earlier part of the campaign but it was clear that he would certainly get an opportunity to shine.

After the turn of the year, Stones would go on to make his first start for Everton against Stoke where he performed well and then followed it up with another fine display against Norwich City. The teenager was handed a tough lesson soon after though, as he was ripped into shreds during the derby day defeat at the hands of Liverpool.

Many would have shirked following such an embarrassment but not this young man. Stones took the disappointment in his stride and following the injury to Jagielka, the young man returned to the team like a man on a mission.

The defenders arrival into the team coincided with Everton’s magnificent run of seven consecutive victories, where he formed a wonderful partnership alongside Distin and the loss of inspirational captain Jagileka was barely felt.

Calm, composed and an absolute rock at the heart of the defence, Stones is a fine defender. However, one also cannot ignore his abilities on the ball as well. His distribution and the manner in which he brings the ball out of the defence has been crucial in Everton’s style of play under Martinez and such a quality seems a must in modern defenders these days.

Stones seems to be in mould of a Rio Ferdinand or a Gerard Pique rather than a traditional robust English centre back.

As a result of his fine displays, there have already been calls for the young man to win international recognition. Understandably, there has also been couple of top clubs eyeing Stones with Chelsea reported to be readying a £20million bid for the 19-year old.

Whether or not the speculation is true or just a figment of imagination of a particular journalist remains to be seen but Everton should not be looking to let go of the defender for any price.

Defenders likes Stones are certainly hard to find and early signs suggest that the young man is destined for greatness. At 19, the young man will only get better with age and given what he is displayed already, Everton arguably posse the best young English defender on their hands.

While it would be very easy to get tempted by a lure of a bigger team, Stones himself should look to stay up at Everton as he has already seemed to have won over the fans, while the Toffees certainly look a team on the up.

If remains to be seen what the future holds for Stones but on current evidence, it is frightening to think what the young man will go on to achieve.