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Rafa Benitez hails the leadership of Andros Townsend as Everton boss insists 'you CANNOT buy this characteristic in John Lewis' following Toffees' Florida Cup win against Colombian side Millonarios

Rafa Benitez hailed Andros Townsend's leadership as the Everton boss insisted 'you cannot buy this characteristic on the fifth floor of John Lewis' following his first match in charge of the Toffees.

New signing Townsend impressed after being given a 45-minute runout against Colombian side Millonarios in the Florida Cup, with fellow newbie Asmir Begovic the hero in a 10-9 penalty shootout win.

The Toffees have strayed from their typical mega-money signings this summer, opting for low-key arrivals with Townsend and Begovic joining, along with Demarai Gray.

Rafa Benitez has hailed Andros Townsend's leadership skills after his first game in charge

Yet Benitez has stressed that Townsend - a free signing from Crystal Palace - brings qualities beyond his trickery on the flanks, hailing the former England star's leadership skills.