Everton defender Meg Finnigan has revealed how her blossoming self-belief has been the catalyst to “playing the best football” in her career so far.

The centre-back has started every game as the Blues have opened the WSL season with four successive victories.

Everton will aim to extend their perfect league record when Brighton & Hove Albion visit Walton Hall Park on Sunday (1pm).

Finnigan has been a figure of consistent excellence in the heart of a Blues defence which has conceded just a solitary goal in the WSL this season.

The 22-year-old’s strong tackling, aerial prowess and composure in possession has helped lay the platform for a series of outstanding all-round performances from Willie Kirk’s team.

“On a personal level, I feel I’m playing the best football I’ve ever played,” Finnigan told the Everton Matchday Programme.

“A lot of that comes down to the team. Without my teammates, I couldn’t perform at those levels.

“But the main thing for me has been a mentality shift.

“In previous years, at times I’ve been overthinking things and I’ve had issues with confidence and self-belief.

“At times last season, if I didn’t play, I struggled with that.

“Now I feel like I trust myself, the team trusts me and Willie trusts me.

“That’s bringing out the best in me.”

Finnigan has formed a formidable centre-back partnership with Rikke Sevecke, who was one of seven acquisitions made by the Blues during the transfer window.

Everton Academy graduate Finnigan says the Danish international, 24, is a calm, authoritative presence who boasts “maturity way beyond her years”.

Finnigan also paid tribute to the positive impact made by Sevecke’s fellow summer signing Ingrid Moe Wold, outlining how the right-back has helped influence both the Blues’ robust defensive performances and dynamic attacking play.

“Rikke is a fantastic player,” Finnigan said. “She is very confident within herself, and it’s great for me to play alongside her because I feel assured next to her.

“The more we play together, the more comfortable we’ll get.

“I must also say, I’ve really enjoyed playing with Ingrid Moe Wold at right-back. She has been an incredible signing.

“What she does perhaps goes under the radar, but she does everything really well.

“She dominates one v ones, she is a threat going forward, puts quality crosses in and gets assists.

“They have both been strong additions to the backline, while DT [left-back Dan Turner] has also continued her great form.”

As well as boasting a 100-per-cent WSL record, Everton have also booked a spot in the 2020 FA Cup final, where they will face Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday 1 November.

Asked to pinpoint the key factors behind the Toffees’ exceptional start to the season, Finnigan highlights the deep reserves of talent and strong sense of togetherness within the squad.

“The team spirit is on another level compared to what we’ve ever had,” she said.

“Everyone is behind the same goal - the girls who start, the girls on the bench, the staff.

“We are all together.

“No matter what team starts the game, we have got really high-quality subs that can come on and make an impact.

“For example, Valerie Gauvin hasn’t started every game – and when you see someone of her quality coming off the bench, you think, ‘wow’.

“It gives us a boost and it must be daunting for the opposition.”