Asmir Begovic has detailed Frank Lampard's impact a 'solid' start to the season and outlined his immediate future at Everton.
The Bosnian goalkeeper has provided an able and experienced back up option to Jordan Pickford since joining the club in 2021, but the outstanding form of England's No.1 has limited appearances to just nine - only four of which have come in the Premier League.
Pickford's injury in the Merseyside Derby looked set to present Begovic with a string of starts, but the postponement of the league due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, coupled with the first choice's speedy recovery, allowed the 35-year-old just one start - a 1-0 win against West Ham.
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But the experienced stopper has remained an ever-present figure at Finch Farm, even if minutes on the pitch have not reflected as such. And in an interview with the i, he has identified the difference between last season's relegation dogfight and this year's optimism.
“Last season was difficult for so many reasons," Begovic said. "We came through it, it was character-building in a way. It taught us a lot and we don’t want to make those mistakes again. It’s a great club with a humongous fanbase, great supporters and an incredible tradition and we want to be the players who take that forward into the new stadium.
“[This season] We’re competitive in every game – you can tell the manager has had a pre-season to get his information in rather than fighting fires every week. He [Lampard] is very impressive. He commands respect. You can tell when he speaks people listen and his playing career helps with that. He’s a really, really good fit.”
Begovic's contract at Goodison Park runs out in the summer, raising questions over where his future lies from June onwards. Manchester United came calling over the summer as they looked for an understudy to David De Gea, but the club's outright rejection of any approach highlighted the importance they place on the former Stoke City stopper.
And despite the running down of his current deal, Begovic insists he remains committed to being part of the squad on Merseyside.
“I’m committed to playing and want to be playing as long as I can. I really enjoy it at Everton, it’s a great group of goalkeepers and I love pushing myself and trying to do what I can.”
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