Aston Vila boss Tim Sherwood hailed the performance of Fabian Delph in victory over Everton.

Christian Benteke improved his record to 11 goals in nine games as Villa maintained their two-point gap above the Barclays Premier League drop zone with a 3-2 win over Everton.

The striker's first-half brace gave them a deserved lead and Tom Cleverley added a third after Romelu Lukaku's penalty gave Everton hope.

Sherwood said of Delph: "I just think there were some heroic performances out there. I thought Fabian Delph showed why he's probably, in my opinion, the best midfield player in the country at the moment.

"I wouldn't swap him for anyone in the mess we're in. If you're an Aston Villa fan, you're loving him.

"He leaves nothing on the field. It's not only about energy and desire, it's about flair and imagination, he's got the whole package. He's a warrior, there isn't a lot he can't do. I see Roy Hodgson was up there, I think he would have been very impressed with the two midfield players, Cleverley as well."