Abdoulaye Doucoure has revealed the sky-high confidence coursing through the Everton squad ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with Manchester United (8pm GMT) as he outlined the Blues’ hunger to win silverware this season.
The French midfielder also explained his ambition to emerge as a leader for a successful Everton team and break into France's star-studded international squad this campaign.
Everton head into Wednesday's Goodison Park cup showdown on the back of three excellent Premier League victories.
The Blues have dispatched Chelsea, Leicester City and Arsenal in quick succession to move up to fourth in the table.
The United clash, then, will see two of England’s in-form sides go head-to-head – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team have won six of their past seven top-flight matches – and Doucoure says Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has left the squad under no illusions regarding the importance of the game.
The Frenchman also stressed the qualities the Blues must show to see off United and progress to the last four of the Carabao Cup.
“These last three wins are very good for our confidence,” Doucoure told evertontv.
“We know we can beat anyone in this league. We proved that already.
“We beat Tottenham in the first game of the season and we just beat three big teams. United is another one and we want to beat them on Wednesday.
“There is a big rivalry between us and United. They have got a lot of quality players.
“We need to be strong defensively, and to score goals.
“At the moment, we are defending very well and we can win on Wednesday.
“The manager told us the importance of the game and we are going to give 100 per cent, always.
“We believe we can win a trophy this season.”
Doucoure delivered the latest in a series of all-action performances in Everton's 2-1 victory over Arsenal at Goodison on Saturday.
Manager Ancelotti commented last week the 27-year-old is “one of the best French midfielders” and backed Doucoure to a win a first senior international call-up.
“Of course, I want to help Everton reach a good level and maybe the national team can come after that,” Doucoure added.
“It is my main target [next] year. I am very happy with these words from a manager like Carlo Ancelotti.
“In the past three or four games, I feel I am getting better. I feel like I am finding my best form.
“In my previous club [Watford], I became a leader. I think I can do the same at Everton.
“I hope I can be an important player.
“I will keep going and stay humble.”
Doucoure also reserved praise for Everton midfield colleague Tom Davies, who stepped in impressively for the injured Allan in Saturday's win against the Gunners.
“I am pleased for Tom,” he said.
“He works hard every day in training. He’s a very good example for the team.
“I am very happy he had a great game against Arsenal.”
