Sandro Feels Suited To 'Intense' Premier League

Sandro Ramirez says the Premier League is “much more intense” than La Liga – and England’s top flight “suits my characteristics”.

Prior to signing for Everton this summer, Spain Under-21 international Sandro had played exclusively in his homeland.

The 22-year-old left hometown club Las Palmas for Barcelona when he was 14 and, after exiting the Nou Camp last year, spent a prolific 2016/17 campaign at Malaga.

Sandro made his Premier League debut in the Blues’ victory over Stoke on the season’s opening day, when he played for 77 minutes before being forced from the fray by a heel injury.

He returned for last Sunday’s defeat at defending champions Chelsea, where he delivered an industrious front-running performance until making way for Dominic Calvert-Lewin just past the hour mark.

Despite his limited first-hand experience of Premier League action, Sandro has been quick to recognise the differences between the domestic leagues in England and Spain – and he reckons the game in his new country suits him down to the ground.

“The Premier League is a little bit less tactical than La Liga - but much more intense,” Sandro told evertontv.

“They close down very quickly and you do not have any time on the ball.

“In Spain, it is more possession based and tactical. That is the main difference for me between the leagues.

“But that is one of the reasons I came here. I think the Premier League will suit my characteristics, to make these runs in behind and attack the spaces.

“It suits me, even though it is too early to judge for sure, because it is only two games.”

Sandro also featured in Everton’s home Europa League third qualifying round clash with MFK Ružomberok, the forward injecting fresh urgency into the Blues’ play during an energetic second-half cameo.

He subsequently watched from the sidelines as Ronald Koeman’s team completed a two-legged win over the Slovakian outfit and then did likewise against Hajduk Split to secure a place in the European competition’s group stage.

Everton also earned a Premier League point at Manchester City while Sandro was working back to fitness.

The Spaniard, who says he is grateful for the welcome he has received from Evertonians, is satisfied with his new team’s start to the season - although he acknowledges there is plenty of scope for improvement.

“Another reason I came to the Premier League, was I knew I was coming to one of the biggest clubs in England,” added Sandro.

“So far it has been very good. Of course, there are things we need to improve and we will work every day on the training ground to do that.

“The fans are very good. We always feel the support from them, even when things do not go well. Everyone is helping me settle in very quickly.”