Youssef Chermiti has reflected on a season of “learning and improving” - and has his sights set on more minutes for Everton during the 2024/25 campaign.

The 19-year-old impressed in his first Premier League start on Saturday, helping the Blues to a 1-0 home victory over Brentford, sealing a crucial three points to secure the Toffees’ Premier League status.

Up until Saturday’s encounter, Chermiti had accumulated 80 minutes across 14 appearances from the substitutes' bench in Everton's league matches.

However, absences of Dominic Calvert-Lewin (illness) and Beto (concussion) provided an opportunity for the young Portuguese to make the step up, and he did so, settling in comfortably with the Toffees’ regular starters.

“I can’t explain this feeling right now,” a delighted Chermiti told evertonfc.com after the game. “It was a great performance from everyone, and we did our job. Everyone is happy today. We did our job so now we can enjoy it.

“It's a great feeling for me. It was a tough season because I didn’t play much, but I did well today.

“The most important thing was the win. As I say, I haven’t played much, but 90 minutes today was a good feeling.”

Competing in 16 duels and creating one big chance during his 89-minute stint, Chermiti looked assured leading the line for the Blues.

He recognises his improvement during the campaign - his first at Everton since arriving from Sporting CP in the summer of 2023 - as he explained: “I’ve grown a lot. My teammates helped me a lot, as well as the manager and the staff, so I think the season was really good for me.

“Of course, every day I’m learning. [The staff] teach me and Beto and Dominic (Calvert-Lewin) do as well, so I’m improving every day and I think I’m getting better.”

Accompanying his minutes and training for the Senior Team, Chermiti's progression has been aided through game time with Everton Under-21s, netting four goals in three matches for the young Blues against Fulham Under-21s and Benfica Under-21s in the Premier League International Cup, and Mansfield Town in the EFL Trophy.

A full Premier League debut marks a positive end to his maiden campaign on Merseyside, and Chermiti - a Portugal Under-21 international - is already keen to make further strides in his development next season.

“Next season, I want more minutes,” he added. “It’s a big responsibility because Everton are famous. It’s a big club.

"Of course, it’s a big responsibility for me, and for everyone, but I want to enjoy this club, to enjoy my teammates and to enjoy the fans."