Izzy Christiansen says she wants to create a legacy with Everton after the midfielder was named the Club's Women's Player of the Season.

The midfielder registered six goals and six assists in the Women's Super League in 2020/21 and helped the Blues to fifth place in the league. 

The England international reflected on her delight on receiving the honour at the Club's End of Season Football Awards, voted for by fans.

“I’m proud and honoured to be given this award," Christiansen told evertontv.

"I think I’m a player who has performed well within a team that’s performed well this season. I think like any individual accolade, it is a reflection on the team’s progress, work ethic and endeavour throughout the whole season.

“I’m really pleased to collect that award. However, just to play in this team is a real privilege."

Christiansen joined the Blues from Lyon in December 2019, although she was unable to make her first appearance until the following the season due to injury. 

Since then, the 29-year-old has gone from strength to strength and put this down to two factors.

“Firstly, the mentality and the environment that Willie [Kirk] and his staff have created here. I, as an individual have flourished within that environment," she added. 

“You speak a lot about players joining new clubs and not settling and I’ve been that player before.

“It’s not that easy to just join a club and fit in.

“When I first met with Willie, I knew I would thrive under his management and so far I have been correct in that.

“The second thing would just be my personal adherence and consistency to my performances.

“I’ve been using my bank of experiences over the years of being a professional footballer to understand what works and what doesn’t work for me.

“It’s very easy to slip off or to not be focussed.

“You can’t enjoy long-term success with part-time behaviours.

“For me, I’ve been really diligent with my off-the-field activity - ensuring I come through the gates of Finch Farm everyday with a winning mentality and with an attitude to improve.

“I’m 29 years old but I know I have got plenty still to improve."

Christiansen added the importance of building upon the success of this season so Everton can break into the top three league places - a project that excites the midfielder and one she wishes to help build the foundations for. 

“It might be a one, two, three-year process," she added. "But all I ask is we continue to improve and having a legacy within the squad of what we’re known for and who we are I think will really help us do that.

“I’ve spoken a lot about mentality and a mentality to win.

“I think this league is getting stronger and stronger.

“We know we’ve got a part to play in making sure that Everton continue to be that team that people are not looking forward playing against.

“I want to be able to look back at my time at Everton, whenever that comes to an end, with a sense of pride.

“I know it’s a project and to be part of something that isn’t just winning a game, an FA Cup or a league. It’s the longevity of that and having the mentality of doing that.

“That’s up to us now - laying down some foundations and using this season as a building block for the future."