Zouma: Everton's Quality Can Strike Fear Into Opponents

Kurt Zouma believes Everton’s attacking quality will strike fear into opposition sides and is confident the Club boasts the depth of talent to have a successful season.

The France international defender saw much cause for optimism in the Blues’ performance against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Sunday. 

Everton played on the front foot for extended periods and carved out a host of chances against Unai Emery’s side. While frustrated by the defeat in north London, Zouma insists the mood among the players remains positive and revealed their determination to hit back instantly against Fulham on Saturday.

The 23-year-old says Everton will aim to take the positive aspects from their display against the Gunners into this weekend’s Goodison Park clash.

“I don’t think we deserved the result but we are determined to show everything we did right and do it again next week,” Zouma told evertontv.

“If we maintain the good parts of our performance when we play Fulham and until the end of the season, we can grab some wins.

“We have a lot of quality in the team. We can be dangerous and you can see people fear us because we can attack everywhere and defend well. We need to maintain that.

“We are determined and we want to win.”

Zouma – a deadline day loan signing from Chelsea – made his Everton debut as a substitute in the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth on August 25.

The Frenchman has remained in the team ever since and, as well as his speed, strength and aerial prowess, has also impressed with his use of the ball – he boasts an 84.4 per cent passing accuracy.

Zouma – who came through the ranks at French side St Etienne – says the quality of his Toffees teammates has helped his acclimatise quickly to life at Everton.

In his short time at the Club, he has played alongside Mason Holgate and Michael Keane in the heart of the Blues defence.

When boss Silva has a full complement of centre-backs available, however, Zouma will also be battling it out with Colombia World Cup hero Yerry Mina and Club captain Phil Jagielka for a spot in the starting XI.

Zouma believes the competition for places among the squad can only be a positive for the Blues.

“I have settled in very well,” he said. “It’s easy when you have good players around you. It’s easy to come into the team and play with them.

“I’m very happy to see Michael [Keane] back on the pitch now [after his head injury against Bournemouth].

“He is a very powerful defender, the same as Mason, and as all of us are. We have a lot of defenders, a lot of good players. We can play with the ball, we’re good in the air.

“We are good defensively and we can score from corners.

“There are lot of options for the manager and that’s good for him. We just need to get to know each other and play together. We need to get the wins.”