Veteran defender Ashley Young believes that Everton can surpass all expectations in the Premier League this season.
Despite having flirted with relegation in recent seasons, Ashley Young feels that Everton should be looking to finish way above the drop zone this time around.
Young arrived at Goodison Park on a free transfer this summer, and brings a wealth of experience with him to Merseyside. The 38-year-old has previously battled at both ends of the Premier League table across his spells with Watford, Aston Villa, and Manchester United.
As well as offering a versatile and reliable option on the pitch, Sean Dyche will also be looking to Young to bring leadership skills to the Toffees’ dressing room. That can start with him setting out his expectations for this campaign.
In that regard, Young is confident that Everton can achieve a far better finish in the Premier League this season. As quoted by the Liverpool Echo, the 39-cap former England international has stated that, “I said at the time I signed here, you always know an Everton team can be back in the top 10 at least. I definitely think with work on the training ground and getting points on the board, that’s where I see the club going.”
Young setting a positive tone for Everton
A top ten finish would be an extraordinary achievement for Everton this season. In all honesty, it is almost certainly beyond them. However, Young’s bullish optimism can set a positive example for his teammates, who will take heart from his confidence in their prospects.
Everton’s season got off to a tricky start against Fulham on Saturday. Dyche’s side ultimately fell to a 1-0 defeat, but there were certainly plenty of positives to take from the Toffees’ performance, not least in the number of clear cut chances they carved out against Marco Silva’s side.
If Everton can improve their finishing, then if not a top half finish, they should be able to comfortably steer clear of another relegation scrap this season and that would represent real progress.