Rikke Sevecke says the experience she has gained from performing in Denmark, France and the USA has accelerated her maturity as a player and person – as the defender set out her ambition to help Everton achieve a top-three WSL finish.

Commanding centre-back Sevecke joined the Blues in July following a one-year stint with French side FC Fleury.

The 24-year-old, an established Danish international, previously represented Brondby and BSF in her homeland.

She has also had a spell playing college football in America, where she represented the University of Northwestern Ohio.

Sevecke says making the switch to Everton this summer “just felt right” and explained how the sky-high standard of training sessions and warm welcome she has received has vindicated her decision.

She believes she is primed to deliver the best football of her career on Merseyside.

“You get so much from playing in different countries,” she told evertontv.

“In the US, it was more [learning] as a person, finding myself and understanding what I wanted.

“I was in France last season and I started to see I could be a leader on the field and gained more experience at the very top level.

“You meet top sides like Lyon, PSG and Montpellier – really good competition.

“Also, I’ve got more settled in the national team and being a part of that gives you more confidence.

“All combined, it has made me the person and player I am now. Now coming to Everton, I hope to gain even more experience.

“I hope I can take a leadership role in the defence, bring good energy to the team, and bond with people.”

An accomplished all-round defender, Sevecke says she enjoys “having the ball at my feet and setting up the play”.

Her Danish compatriot and fellow new Everton arrival Nicoline Sorensen, meanwhile, highlighted Sevecke’s power and ability “to win almost every dual”, as well as her range of passing.

Sevecke believes her performance levels will only improve by playing alongside high-quality teammates with Everton.

Manager Willie Kirk has bolstered his squad with five signings this summer, with Sevecke and Sorensen joined by England Under-21 defender Poppy Pattinson, Norway international Ingrid Moe Wold and France striker Valerie Gauvin.

“The standard in training in very high,” Sevecke added. “The squad is full of good players and good staff.

“I have really enjoyed it. I feel at home already.

“I always wanted to come to England, and Everton seemed like the right fit for me. It wasn’t really a hard choice.

“I am super excited for the season. I can’t wait to get started properly.

“For the team, we are hoping to be in the top three in the WSL. That is the main goal.”

Sevecke detailed how her acclimatisation to life at Everton has been smoothed by being joined at the Club by close friend Sorensen.

The pair live close to each other in Liverpool city centre and Sevecke outlined the mix of qualities the dynamic attacker will bring to Everton.

“It is super nice that Nicoline is here,” Sevecke added.

“We have known each other for so many years because we have played together in the national team, at many youth levels.

“Now we play in the senior team.

“As a person, she is always smiling and happy and bringing that positive energy to the team.

“On the field, she can bring lot of speed in one-v-ones, she is really good on the ball.

“And she has a really good shot! Like, really good. She just knows where to put the ball!”