Dominic Calvert-Lewin has described working under manager Carlo Ancelotti as “a privilege”, adding it is a “perfect time” to be an Everton player and supporter.

The 22-year-old revealed his confidence levels are higher than at any point in his career and explained why he believes he can elevate his performances with Ancelotti's guidance.

The striker has struck five goals in his past six Premier League matches and was on target in the Italian’s first two games as Everton manager – heading the winner in Boxing Day’s 1-0 victory over Burnley before netting a brace as the Blues won 2-1 at Newcastle United two days later.

Calvert-Lewin’s fine form has been recognised with a nomination for December’s EA Sports Premier League Player of the Month award.

Everton boss Ancelotti has spoken in glowing terms regarding the talented attacker, declaring he has the quality to “become a top striker in England and in Europe”.

Calvert-Lewin detailed how those words have further enhanced his burgeoning self-belief.

“For me to hear that, going onto the pitch you feel a foot taller,” he said.

“They are very kind words from a man of his pedigree.

“For a club of Everton’s size and with a manager of the pedigree of Carlo Ancelotti, it’s the perfect time to be an Everton fan and an Everton player.

“For me as a young player, you can’t ask for anyone better to be in charge.

“He’s worked at some of the biggest clubs in the world and worked with some of the best players and the best strikers.

“It’s an unbelievable learning experience at this stage in my career. To have the backing of him, like I have done so far, it fills me with a lot of confidence going onto the pitch.

“As you can see, in my current form, I’ve been hitting the back of the net so I’d like to think that’s helped.

“I’m the most confident I’ve ever been on the football pitch and that has come with goals. When I’m going on the pitch now, I genuinely believe I can score in every game.”

Ancelotti took charge at Everton in the midst of a hectic fixture period, with Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Liverpool at Anfield the Blues’ fourth match in the space of 11 days.

The Italian, then, has had limited time to work with his players on the training pitch but Calvert-Lewin revealed how he has already made a significant impact.

“For me, he wants me focus on getting around the goal more, get in the six-yard box, and that I need to be more selfish because as a striker you’re judged on your goals,” Calvert-Lewin said.

“He has been pretty brief, kept it simple which has allowed me to enjoy my football on the pitch. I think that has showed.

“I can see that the longer we work together [as a team] the better we’ll become and the more we’ll know our roles.”

Ancelotti boasts a glittering CV, having managed some of the most illustrious clubs in world football. A three-time Champions League winner, he has been in charge at the likes of AC Milan, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Paris St Germain.

Calvert-Lewin revealed how Ancelotti is an individual he has admired for some time and believes Everton have an ideal manager to drive the Club forward.

“It’s a real statement of intent by the Club to get a manager of his calibre and what he’s achieved in the game,” Calvert-Lewin added.

“In terms of getting us back to where we want to be at Everton, it’s a massive thing.

“He’s one of the biggest managers in the world. As a young kid growing up watching football you see him on the television working at some of the biggest clubs.

“To be working with him on a daily basis now is a privilege. It’s something I just want to take in, soak up and enjoy.

“I do feel like it’s the start of a new era, and I do feel a confidence around the place and within the lads that we can go on and achieve what we want to achieve.

"The manager has a presence about him, and I think that’s just because of the man he is and what he’s done in football. I can only go off what he’s been like with me so far and I couldn’t ask for any more.

“It’s an unbelievable time to be an Everton fan and an Everton player and I’m just looking forward to what the future holds.”

Ancelotti will lead the Blues in his first Merseyside derby as Everton manager on Sunday.

Calvert-Lewin believes the team can channel the positive atmosphere at the Club into a winning performance at Anfield.

“We believe in ourselves and our ability,” he added.

“It’s no secret that Liverpool are a top team.

“Over recent years it’s been a tough challenge and we want to make that [derby results] change. Why can’t that be on Sunday? I’d love nothing more than to be the man that can make that happen.

“We have to focus on what we can do and how we can affect the game.

“We want to be successful and we want to bring trophies back to Everton, so it’s about giving our best in every competition.

“It’s been an unbelievable momentum shift we’ve managed to create here.

“We’re in a different place now, we’ve got momentum behind us so we’re going into the game a lot more confident and backing ourselves.”