EVERTON starlet Jack Rodwell has the potential to become the new Rio Ferdinand, according to Arsenal hero and Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith.

The 18-year-old made a huge impact at Goodison Park last season, after making his debut as a 16-year-old against AZ in Alkmaar in the UEFA Cup the previous season.

The former Gunners striker will get to see Rodwell at close hand this summer at the Under-21 European Championships in Sweden, and Smith believes Rodwell has the perfect temperament to perform on the big stage.

Smith said: “I’m a big fan of Jack Rodwell, although I’m not so sure he’ll get into the starting XI for the first game.

“I spoke to David Moyes about him and long-term he sees him as a centre-half; comparisons are there to be made with Rio Ferdinand.

“He is a cool, composed player with a great big-match temperament and I’m a big fan.”

Rodwell scored his first goal for England under-21s in Monday night’s final friendly match against Azerbaijan before the European Under-21 Championships.

England’s tournament kicks off in Halmstad on Monday against Finland, then face further group games against Spain next Thursday and Germany on June 22.