Izzy Christiansen has explained how Damaris Egurrola’s blend of technical excellence, tactical intelligence and competitive spirit marks her out as an “incredible talent”.

Spain international Egurrola, 21, joined Everton from Athletic Bilbao last summer and swiftly established herself as a regular in boss Willie Kirk’s side, delivering a series of classy performances alongside the dynamic Christiansen in the Blues’ midfield.

Egurrola and Christiansen will aim to help Everton kick off 2021 in winning style on Sunday when the Toffees host league leaders Manchester United at Walton Hall Park (12pm GMT).

The game will be Everton’s first after a three-week Women’s Super League hiatus over the festive period – and Christiansen is confident Egurrola will pick up where she left off following a mightily impressive start to her Blues career.

“Damaris is still so young and that’s really important to remember,” Christiansen told evertonfc.com.

“She is an incredibly talented player.

“She is very unique in terms of her range of passing. I train with her every day, and I know how talented she is on the ball.

“When you’ve got the ability she’s got, she is very difficult to play against. She is good in the air and she reads the game well.

“And for a typical Spanish style of player, she is also very suited to the English league because she likes a tackle and she is ready to put her body on the line for the team.

“She’s been a great addition and will continue to improve because she is still young.”

Christiansen also reserved praise for Everton Academy graduate Grace Clinton.

The 17-year-old made her first Everton start in a 1-0 Merseyside derby triumph in November – a game in which Christiansen scored the winner.

Midfielder Clinton was then named in a WSL starting line-up for the first time in the Toffees’ defeat at Arsenal on 20 December.

England international Christiansen believes the fact boss Kirk has trusted the teenager to play in games of such magnitude is testament to her development.

“Grace has got her head screwed on and she’s a very talented player,” added Christiansen.

“She has great ability and is a good asset to our squad.

“She is with us [in the First Team] full time now, before she was training with us around college and being with the development team.

“I’m really, really happy for her and the progress she has made.

“She has got a very bright future in the game.”