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Mirallas knows he needs to do more

Lyndon Lloyd Friday, 4 November, 2016 20comments  |  Jump to most recent

As he looks ahead to tomorrow's clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Kevin Mirallas says he is aware of his need to improve in terms of attacking contribution.

The Belgian has been back in the starting XI for the past couple of games after being deployed off the substitutes' bench in the two before that. Whether it's because of a shift in focus towards the more defensive side of his game or the need to adapt to the new manager's methods though, he has struggled for consistency going forward.

The club's second-top scorer in each of his first three seasons at Goodison Park, Mirallas has just one goal so far this season and no assists, and he is aware of what he needs to do more of if he is to stay in the team.

“Personally, I need to create more, score more goals and get more assists,” he told evertonfc.com. “It is not easy and we need the whole team to help each other so we can improve even more.

“I have spoken to the manager and he has told me I have been playing well but he wants more, and I agreed. 

“I have looked at my game, looked at situations when I need to dribble more, or pass or shoot more. This week I have been training hard because we know it's another big game.”

Mirallas scored in this fixture last season, a rollercoaster affair that ended 3-3 and in controversial circumstances, and netted in the 3-6 goalfest against Chelsea at Goodison the season before and he is looking to add to that tally this weekend in what will be a difficult assignment for Ronald Koeman's men.

“If you score against the same team a couple of times, it is something that gives you confidence,” the forward explained.

“I like to play at Stamford Bridge. The stadium is nice, there is always a good pitch and our fans always create a very good atmosphere to support the team.”

The match kicks off at 5.30pm with live coverage on BT Sport.

 

Reader Comments (20)

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Des Farren
1 Posted 04/11/2016 at 18:13:00
Well, if he is at last "aware" of his need to contribute more, it could be a positive indicator.

Saying it is, of course, easier than doing it.

Minik Hansen
2 Posted 04/11/2016 at 18:14:18
He will do just fine, just like Osman did against the latest meetings against Fulham – confident against certain oppositions. COYB.
Michael Penley
4 Posted 04/11/2016 at 18:38:53
"I have spoken with the manager"

Well, you would hope so. You'd have to be worried about any player that was going in to training every day and not speaking with the manager. I would've thought that would be a given.

Andy Meighan
5 Posted 04/11/2016 at 19:11:35
Always seems to play well against these. Let's hope he does tomorrow and bags the winner.
Tony Hill
6 Posted 04/11/2016 at 21:24:03
He doesn't make the effort, I'm afraid. Loads of talent and I would love him to show it consistently but he won't. Let's hope he has one of his rare excellent performances tomorrow.
Damian Wilde
7 Posted 04/11/2016 at 22:00:06
Michael, strange post, he was just saying they talked about this issue. Don't see what your point is.
Sean Kelly
8 Posted 04/11/2016 at 22:03:02
So when did you have your light-bulb moment, Kevin?
Kevin Day
9 Posted 04/11/2016 at 22:41:52
I don't know if it's just me, but he seems to've lost that nasty streak he used to have, we all remember him racking his studs down Suarez.

Although that's not what we want to see, but that streak/fight, attitude he had seems to have gone, which seemed to be a big part of his game.

Steavey Buckley
10 Posted 04/11/2016 at 22:59:48
Mirallas is like a round peg in a square hole. He is neither a winger or a striker. Probably, his best position as an impact sub in the final half-hour as the opposition tires.
Clive Rogers
11 Posted 04/11/2016 at 23:09:23
He is very much an individual and has never been a team player, always low on assists. Frankly, if he doesn't score, there's not much else.
Mark Andersson
12 Posted 04/11/2016 at 23:58:25
On his day, a game changer... sadly, his days are getting fewer each season.
Anthony Dwyer
13 Posted 05/11/2016 at 00:08:15
I have supported Kev but he's had ample opportunity this season, he clearly hasn't taken them opportunities.
Kieran Kinsella
14 Posted 05/11/2016 at 03:38:38
He's just not very good.
Phil Sammon
15 Posted 05/11/2016 at 07:15:44
He has had opportunities on the wing... but is that his position? I'd much rather see him as a second striker.

I saw some stats earlier today on Lukaku's 50 Premier League goals. Of that 50, Barkley has assisted 3, Mirallas also 3. Isn't that absolutely pathetic in 3 or so seasons? Bolasie already has 4.

John McGimpsey
17 Posted 06/11/2016 at 07:34:28
Shifted to the left after a couple of good seasons in front of Coleman to accommodate a succession of shite right wingers including the new one. Maybe past his best but we will probably loan another right winger.
Clive Rogers
18 Posted 06/11/2016 at 17:17:32
If he wanted to do more he should have put more effort in yesterday when he came on. He ambled about like it was a stroll in the park. I would never pick him again personally.
Paul Tran
19 Posted 06/11/2016 at 17:46:56
I've been waiting for him to do more for three years. He won't get any better. When his contract runs out, let him go. It is interesting coming on here reading the excuses people make for him, though.
Clive Rogers
20 Posted 06/11/2016 at 19:03:07
Paul,

You're right. He came as a striker but wasn't good enough so Moyes switched him to the wing. He's 29 has had 3 managers, none of whom made him first choice. Martinez bumped his salary up to 55 grand a week then never used him.

We're probably stuck with him to summer 2018. He's never been good enough and this season is absolutely dire.

Patrick Murphy
21 Posted 06/11/2016 at 19:08:30
Clive (#20),

That is terrifying, that somebody as relatively useless as Kevin Mirallas is on 㿣k per week, which means if I as an individual purchased a season ticket every season at a cost of 𧾦 per season It would take me 73 years to pay Kevin one week's wages!

Who said footballers live in cloud cuckoo land, eh?

Geoff Evans
22 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:49:39
Needs moving on as soon as possible with at least half-a-dozen more of his mates who aren't up to it.

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