Carlo Ancelotti says unique strikers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison embody the energy and commitment which have characterised Everton’s football following the Premier League restart.

Everton’s miserly defence has been breached only once in three games – a goal from Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho which owed a lot to good fortune – as Ancelotti’s side claimed seven points to enter the shake-up for European places.

Ancelotti, then, didn’t seek to downplay the significance of his in-form team's visit to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday.

Jose Mourinho’s side hold a one-point advantage over Everton and are among a trio of teams lodged between the Blues and Sheffield United in seventh.

Calvert-Lewin has 13 Premier League goals this season – the most recent against Manchester United on 1 March – two more than Richarlison, who was on target against Leicester and is expected to recover from a blow to the ankle in time to face Spurs.

“It is true Dominic didn’t score [in the games since lockdown] but the most important part is the work he is doing,” said Ancelotti.

“The fact we did well defensively in these three games comes from the work all the players were able to do.

“It comes first from the strikers, Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin.

“They did a fantastic job defensively.

“I never had strikers with this energy defensively and I appreciate it a lot.

“It doesn’t matter if Dominic didn’t score, he will score again without any problem.

“I never asked my strikers to score goals, only to work well, to work for the team.

“To be humble.

“Dominic is doing all these things and I am really happy with this.”

Ancelotti’s side trail Sheffield United by three points following the Blades’ 3-1 win over Tottenham on Thursday.

The Londoners’ setback at Bramall Lane nevertheless did nothing to dissuade Ancelotti from the suspicion his team is in for a difficult contest in the capital.

Tottenham are unbeaten at their own home since the restart – a victory over West Ham United following Spurs’ draw with Manchester United – and harbour European ambitions of their own.

Next week’s game will also see Ancelotti renew acquaintances with Spurs boss Jose Mourinho.

The pair have crossed swords on numerous occasions and for a season in 2008/09 managed on either side of the Milan divide.

“Tottenham are still a dangerous team with fantastic players,” said Ancelotti.

“It will be an exciting and important game for both teams and to have a chance we need to do our best.

“Europe is really important, it would be a step for the players and the Club.

“But it will be difficult.

“The fact we have a possibility to fight for a place in the Europa League is important for our players, it gives them a lot of motivation.

“I admire Jose, he is a great manger who can read the game well.

“Football changes quickly.

“I am looking at the future of football, how we can manage the future.

"Football is going to change and we will change.

“The methodology, style of play, how you defend and attack.

“We have to be ready when it changes.

“I like football and to watch the game.

“I don’t want to stay with the knowledge I have, I want to improve my knowledge.”

Ancelotti was speaking to the media from USM Finch Farm, where Richarlison will return to the training pitches this weekend after sitting out Friday’s session.

The Everton boss was quizzed about a trio of his midfielders, ahead of a period when his side will contest six matches in 20 days.

Jean-Philippe Gbamin, explained Ancelotti, is making sound progress following Achilles surgery and is on track to return at the beginning of next season.

On the pair of Tom Davies and Andre Gomes, whose reintegration into the team following a serious ankle injury was interrupted by the Premier League shutdown, Ancelotti added: “Tom plays with more experience [than a typical 22-year-old].

“I like him. He is a humble guy, really professional and serious.

“He loves this club and is an Evertonian.

“He is an important part of our team and will be an important part of our future.

“Andre, until now, didn’t have a problem.

“His physical data are really good and in the last game they improved.

“We have to check how he recovers from games but until now he didn’t have a problem.”