Demarai Gray has opened up on how last season left him with mixed emotions and why he has his sights on staying injury free for Everton this time round.
Gray signed from Bayer Leverkusen last summer for £1.7m and scored six goals and provided five assists across 39 appearances in all competitions for the Blues. But after hitting the ground running, his form suffered in the second half of the season with injuries taking their toll.
But speaking ahead of his side’s opening Premier League game of the season against Chelsea this weekend, the former Leicester City man has offered an insight into the work he has been putting in to improve his consistency for the forthcoming campaign.
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"I think in the first half of the season I was playing some of the best football I've played yet in my career," Gray told the club’s USA show.
"But then I had a few little injuries and an illness, which slowed me down a bit. My main focus for this season is, obviously, to start how I started last season - but then to maintain it for the whole season.
"I'm working on things, mainly off the pitch, to make sure my body is more robust and stronger, so, when the second half of the season arrives, the little niggles don't play a part as much as they did last year.
"Overall, I was quite happy with my first season individually, but from a team perspective it wasn't where we wanted to be.
Gray has also praised Evertonians for flooding the streets in support of the team towards the end of last season. The very real threat of relegation sparked something incredible from the fanbase and the club for the closing matches of the term.
Ahead of their last three home matches, thousands of Everton supporters arrived early and took to the streets to produce incredible scenes as Lampard and his squad arrived for the game. Banners and flags were on full display, there was constant loud singing and numerous smoke bombs filled the air to create a raucous atmosphere.
Similar scenes had also been witnessed outside Finch Farm ahead of the Blues' two away trips to Leicester and Watford as supporters looked to inspire their side over the line and ensure they were playing Premier Leage football this season.
"Having said that, through all of the struggle, staying up at the end of it was one of the best feelings I've had, so there were definitely mixed feelings,” Gray said on last season.
"I feel like coming through it was good for me, ultimately. It's good for your character to come through difficult situations.
"The fans, too. The experiences and the heart they gave us with their support was incredible. As an individual, it gave me a massive boost and confidence to know that we've got them behind us.
"You would never have believed the position we were in if you saw the scenes they produced. There was a rollercoaster of emotions but that's done now and we can look forward.
"I'm really looking forward to the new season - I'm focused on it being injury-free and a strong season for me and the team."
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