Well, he is an integral part of that awful defence, so he cannot be distanced from any criticism of it.
Given that only a handful of clubs would be prepared to pay, or be in a position to pay, the amount Chelsea offered last year I think there is a chance a move to a "monied elite" club must be diminishing in light of his performances this season.
John is far from the finished article and I think for his own good he should get his head down and concentrate at truly establishing himself at Everton over the next few years.
The uncertainty over where he will be next season is clearly affecting his game.
There seems to be a belief that he is in a shop window and in trying to impress the shoppers he is fluffing his lines.....at a high cost to EFC.
Life was so much simpler and his football more enjoyable for him last season when he was just a young bloke cementing his place at a club which cherished him.
He isn't the first exciting young talent to have his head turned by promises of greener fields.....he won't be the last.