Martinez: Mirallas is desperate to set standards every week
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has praised the change in Kevin Mirallas outlook saying that the Everton attacker is now desperate to set standards each week and lead the way for his team-mates.
Mirallas has been in inspired form scoring a number of crucial goals over the last few weeks, including the winner in Saturdays 2-1 victory over Aston Villa at Goodison Park.
Mirallas has been an every present for Everton this season and the gaffer believes he has now settled in to Premier league life following a tough start.
“It has been a change in Kevin’s mentality,” said Martinez. “Earlier in the season he was a player helping the team but now he is desperate to set standards week in, week out.
“And that, for a striker or attacking player, is very rare and that is why I had no problems of playing him in a different position and moving him around because I think he has that maturity now.
“I have seen the change in him in the second or third month and he has become a different footballer.
“It is just that mentality of knowing how important he is for our football club and the squad. As a footballer you sometimes just go through the motions, show your talent and help the team. But when you become a bit more experienced and mature you become a player who sets standards week in, week out. You see that with Tim Howard, Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines and Kevin now is in that stage of his career.
“It is quite interesting when you see that over the course of a six or seven month period.”
“I knew Kevin would benefit from playing a season in the Premier League,” added the Blues manager.
“Coming from a league like the Greek league, you know it was going to take a little bit of time for him to settle in. But now you can see it’s the player he was at Olympiakos and he brings that star quality. On top of that he has a real work ethic for the team.
“The physicality of this league is unique and your body needs to get ready for it.
“That’s what Kevin has now, his body is ready and he’s ready.”
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