The views on this page are taken from the local and national media and do not necessarily reflect the views of Everton.

Michael Ball's column appears in Wednesday's edition of the Liverpool Echo.

The former Blues left-back praises manager Rafa Benitez for what he believes was a pivotal second half switch in formation to secure all three points against Burnley at Goodison Park.

Ball also hailed goalscorer Michael Keane, likening the defender to German legend Franz Beckenbauer in the final 30 minutes of the match after what he described as a "pedestrian" opening hour.

Elsewhere in the Echo, quotes that first appeared in the matchday programme from Lucas Digne feature, with the Frenchman explaining a less talk, more action approach this campaign.

Former England midfielder and current pundit Owen Hargreaves has drawn similarities between Abdoulaye Doucoure and Paul Pogba, following the Everton midfielder's form in a more advanced role so far this term.

And finally, in the Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa's Leon Bailey friendly Instagram message to Demarai Gray is discussed.

The former Bayer Leverkusen teammates will go head-to-head this weekend as Everton visit Villa Park in the Premier League.