Lucas Digne has set out Everton’s resolve to transfer their hard work on the training pitch over the past 16 days into a winning performance at Cardiff City on Tuesday night (7.45pm kick-off).
The Frenchman also revealed his unwavering belief in the ability within the Blues’ squad and is confident the team can string together a positive run of results.
Everton’s last game was back on 9 February, and Digne insists the squad has put its extended break from top-flight action into good use ahead of a busy week of Premier League action.
After the Toffees’ trip to south Wales, Liverpool visit Goodison Park to contest the 233rd Merseyside derby on Sunday.
“We are progressing in training and we want to show that progress in games,” Digne said.
“It has been a time to work and - together with the coach and his staff - we have been working every day to make things better.
“We have a good attitude. Every game we play we want to win.
“We know the quality we have and that we can do better and, in the future, for sure, we will do better.
“We are totally focussed and we know results can change very fast.”
Having signed for the Club from Barcelona last summer, Digne has emerged as one of Everton’s standout performers.
The 25-year-old has created 12 ‘big chances’ in the Premier League this season – the highest total of any top-flight defender.
No Premier League player has delivered more accurate crosses, while Digne’s influence at Everton is underlined by the fact he has had the most touches of the ball of any player in the squad.
The France international says his impressive debut campaign at Everton illustrates how much he is enjoying life at the Club and highlighted the role of his teammates in his swift acclimatisation to English football.
“My stats reflect the work of the team,” he said.
“If I have these stats it is because my teammates help me a lot and I can create some chances.
“When I play football, I am always happy. If I am not happy, I don’t know who can be!
“For sure, if we haven’t got the result we want, sometimes I am frustrated when I go back home.
“But being a footballer is the best job in the world and I enjoy always when I step onto the pitch.”
Digne added his fine campaign also owes much to boss Marco Silva’s progressive training methods and approachable nature.
“He is a good coach and a good person,” he said. “He is tough, too. We train very well, and we need to do the same in the games.
“We are all working hard, the coach with his staff and the team, too.
“We are the Club and we need to work together.”
