Ancelotti outlines Everton qualities required to maintain Premier League form

Carlo Ancelotti has highlighted the three characteristics Everton need to show if they are to continue their fine start to the season.

Toffees fans across the globe are in dreamland after seeing the club win their first seven matches in all competitions, the first time they have achieved such a feat since 1895.

It means the Blues top the Premier League table going into the international break, with a three point lead over nearest rivals Aston Villa. They have also progressed through to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Manchester United in December.

Everton’s lofty ambitions are set to be sorely tested when the Premier League resumes next week, with neighbours Liverpool next to visit Goodison Park on October 17.

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Ancelotti, though, is confident his players can maintain their level of performance if they continue to display the right attitude.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Ancelotti said:

“The spirit is good here.

“In general, this team has good professional players.

“When we have difficulty [during matches], we don’t have to lose our positivity.

“It is important to have character, attitude and personality.”

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One player who appears to have benefitted the most from Ancelotti’s tutelage is Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The 23-year-old has scored nine goals in six games to start the season, developing a killer instinct in front of goal to match his already sound technique and immense work-rate.

That form has seen him rewarded with a first call-up to the England squad, where he is expected to start in the friendly against Wales at Wembley on Thursday.

Speaking about Calvert-Lewin’s development, Ancelotti added:

“He has worked a lot to improve, to be more focused in the box and more clinical.

“Calvert-Lewin, with his ability and quality, can help players like Richarlison and James.

“He is a complete striker.

“This is very important: the effort of everyone can help the others.”