Tarashaj Targets First Outing

Shani Tarashaj wants a to end a positive first week at Everton with a maiden Blues appearance against Barnsley on Saturday.

The Switzerland international linked up with his new teammates on Monday after being given an extended summer break because of his involvement at Euro 2016.

The friendly is being streamed live on evertontv, meaning fans all over the world can watch Ronald Koeman’s first match in charge on British soil.

“I’m very happy to be here after the Euros,” Tarashaj told evertontv. “I’m enjoying training with my new teammates.

“It’s hard work, it’s pre-season, but it’s okay. You have to be fit and you have to be ready for when the season starts.

“I have to train hard and then after show the Everton fans what I can do.

I hope I can play [on Saturday] and we win. It will be nice if we have many fans. I hope I can score!”


Tarashaj, 21, signed for Everton back in January but was immediately loaned back to his former club Grasshopper Zurich - a move which also allowed him to complete his national service.

The forward scored a total of 11 goals last season - an achievement which earned him a place in the Switzerland squad at the European Championships.

He only played once in the tournament as his nation reached the last-16 stage before suffering elimination at the hands of Poland via a penalty shootout.

Still, Tarashaj reflects on his time in France as a positive learning experience.

He added: “I played five minutes against Romania - it was nice to play at the Euros.

“It was a fantastic atmosphere. I just hope that next time we win against Poland!”