In an evertonfc.com column, Michael Keane sets out the squad's hunger to play with 'intensity and quality' against Norwich City on Saturday, explains why Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray are 'perfect' for Everton, and salutes Rafa Benitez's tactical acumen...

We’ve had a disappointing week in terms of results but it hasn’t jolted our confidence.

At Aston Villa last weekend, we were solid for an hour and a threat on the counter – then they hit us with a couple of quick goals, which were sloppy on our part. 

We were then desperate to do well in the cup. It was a big competition for us, so to go out on penalties at QPR was a blow.

On the whole, though, we’ve had a good start to the Premier League season, and we need to get back to winning ways on Saturday against Norwich.

The manager has done a lot of work on the training ground every day – trying to improve players and getting across his tactical instructions.

We are all very clear on what is expected of us and the way we want to play, which is getting the ball forward more, creating more chances and scoring goals. 

I think we have looked a lot more dangerous than possibly we have in the past. The new lads have done really well. Demarai [Gray] and Andros [Townsend] have got six goals between them, which is a great return, and they’ve got a few assists as well. 

Dimi can go both ways, he’s so skilful and so fast. He’s got that end product, too, as has Andros. You can see that with the goal Andros scored [against Burnley], and with his shooting in general and crossing off both feet.

Technically, they’re both brilliant players and are perfect for the way we want to play. They work really hard for the team, too, and they have been massive additions for us. 

I’m sure Salomon Rondon will start chipping with goals soon, too.

We’re back at Goodison on Saturday and our form there will be crucial. Last season, we weren’t good enough at home. 

Our away form was brilliant but we didn’t turn up enough times at Goodison. If we had a decent home record, we’d have probably qualified for Europe. That’s what cost us last season and we know if we improve that this year – and keep the away form strong – we’ll have a better chance of finishing higher up the table. 

I think the manager’s style of play will help us, too. We’ve got a few injuries at the moment but if we can get through this and still be up there in the league, then we’ll be in a good position.

We’ve gone behind in our two games at Goodison so far but improved a lot as the games have progressed and got good wins. 

When the manager makes tactical changes at half-time or during games, they can be quite simple, but they can make a big difference. He’ll tell us two or three things to remember and to change and it’s worked in a few games so far. 

We’ve done well in the second halves at home against Southampton and Burnley – but it would be good if we could start Saturday’s game on the front foot and score the first goal.

We know Norwich have had a difficult start to the season, but we definitely won’t underestimate them. They’re a good team. 

We have started to work on the game tactically and our full focus is on winning. It’s a big game for us. 

If we can play with the intensity we can and with the quality we have, I believe we will win – but we have to turn up on the day.