Deulofeu keen for more playing time at Everton

Matt Stead

Gerard Deulofeu has fond memories of his first spell at Everton, but is looking to make more of an impact this season under compatriot Roberto Martinez.

After joining from Barcelona for around £4million in the summer, Deulofeu has been restricted to just four Premier League appearances for Everton this season – all from the bench and amounting to just 39 minutes.

The Spaniard has complimented his compatriot’s calming influence, but Deulofeu is now targeting more games during his second spell at Goodison Park.

“Roberto Martinez makes me feel very calm, though I know that being calm isn’t really me, and I tell him that,” Deulofeu said in an interview with Marca. “I need to be playing, to feel important.

“I now see myself as more professional. I live by football, and it is football that will bring me glory.

“I was at Barcelona B for two seasons and now I am starting off another season in the top flight.

“I really want to show what I have to give. I want to establish myself here and play a lot of games for Everton.

“The year I spent here before was a good one, pretty good, I’d say. I was very young of course, just 19, but the experience taught me quite a lot.”