Alcaraz Discusses Competition For Places And Cup Win

Charly Alcaraz believes that there is now a "very healthy" competition for places in Everton's squad and praised fans for their continued support after Wednesday's Carabao Cup second-round win over Mansfield Town.

The Argentine scored his first goal of the season early in the second half, guiding the ball into the top corner from distance to break the deadlock, before Beto's strike secured the win late on.

Speaking to evertontv afterwards, Alcaraz spoke highly of his teammates' performance and commented on the backing from the Evertonians.

"I had the chance to start again today with this great team," he said. "I'm really happy with everyone's performance, and I'm also very happy with the goal, but my goal is thanks to my teammates.

"So, I'm very happy that we've made it through to the next round, and I hope we can all keep going like this together.

"I've said several times that scoring a goal with the Everton fans there is always great because the atmosphere is always amazing, so scoring a goal here with all the fans, and the stadium was full today. The fans are always amazing."

"It's so important. Lately, I might not be doing as well, but I know I have the support of my family, my girlfriend and the fans, so I will keep trying to show what I can do. I'm grateful to the fans who are always with us and always supporting us."

Alcaraz also hailed the quality in the Blues' ranks, following the arrivals of players such as Jack Grealish and Tyler Dibling – a player who he knows from his time at Southampton.

"It's very good," he continued. "We've brought in some very good players. The competition [for places] is really good, it's very healthy.

"The competition in training is always very good. The good thing is that we're all at the manager's disposal, at Moyes' disposal, so when he wants me to play or others to play, we're all pulling in the same direction.

"I know the kind of player Jack is. He's proven that throughout his career. So, having him as a teammate, seeing him in training, seeing him here in matches, he really has a lot of quality.

"I know him [Tyler] from Southampton, he's a great lad, he plays really well. He's a great player, but he's also a great person. I've spoken to him and he's very happy to be here.

"I wish him all the best and, well, hopefully he'll continue to get playing time and help us in everything he does, which he does very well."