Dele Alli said he is working hard in training and doing everything he can to ensure: "I give my all for the club when I’m on the pitch."
The 26-year-old scored twice in an impressive display as Everton clinched their first goals - and first win - of pre-season at Blackpool on Sunday. For Alli, it was the perfect response following his missed opportunity to score in the previous friendly against Minnesota United.
That chance had weighed on his mind in the days after the 4-0 defeat but he made no mistake when given a similar opportunity from a Vitalii Mykolenko pull back at Bloomfield Road. He then produced a deft finish from a Nathan Patterson cross for his second on the seaside.
READ MORE: Ashley Cole special role, Duncan Ferguson change and inside story of new-look Everton
READ MORE: Everton given glimpse of future under Frank Lampard by four signings
In the aftermath of the match, Alli told evertontv : “I was kicking myself after the opportunity I had in the other game [against Minnesota United]. It was a chance I should have taken and Sunday was a chance to put that right. I got two goals so I’m happy. Overall, it was a good team performance and, in times like this, that’s what we’re looking for. It’s not about individual moments. It’s about how we’re improving, how we’re building as a team. I think today was a step in the right direction, but we need to keep going now.”
Alli secured a move to Merseyside in January but was used sparingly during the relegation battle before he played a key role in Richarlison's last minute equaliser against Leicester City at Goodison Park. His substitution then proved pivotal in the comeback victory over Crystal Palace that secured Everton's Premier league status.
Commenting on the desire within the squad - and his personal efforts - he said: “As players, we know of the quality that we have in the side. We all want the same thing. We have the same goals. To achieve anything, we need to be fighting for places. No one’s place is guaranteed. We have to work hard in every game and training session. Everything we do, we need to apply ourselves.
"When you’re at a club like Everton, it’s not for the manager to say that places are up for grabs. You have to know that and feel that whoever is in that starting 11, it’s not a guarantee [that you will keep your place]. If you’re on the bench, you need to work hard to make sure you’re playing. I’m just working hard every day and making sure that I give my all for the club when I’m on the pitch.”
READ NEXT:
- Frank Lampard gives Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Demarai Gray Everton injury update
- Tom Davies makes Frank Lampard 'trust' claim and explains his behind scenes role at Everton
- What happened outside Goodison Park as Everton supporters stage protest
- A bdoulaye Doucoure gives honest opinion on Everton season and offers Lampard tactics insight
- Anthony Gordon opens up on ambitions, what's left him feeling 'old' and Minnesota defeat
