Arnaut Danjuma says that he feels as though there is plenty to build on from Everton’s start to the new season even though the Toffees have yet to register a Premier League win.
Sean Dyche’s side had a number of good chances in the home games against Fulham and Wolves to have taken all three points but poor execution in front of goal cost them, with both matches ending in defeat.
And against Sheffield United in their last fixture before the international break, they registered more shots on goal than their hosts, took an early lead, perhaps should have doubled it when Danjuma himself elected to go for goal rather than set up a team-mate in a 4-on-2 break, but ultimately had to settle for a point thanks to the Dutch forward’s equaliser.
“We need to get rid of [the feeling that we should have won games],” Danjuma said on evertonfc.com, showing more of his willingness to communicate eloquently with fans. “On one side, it’s good because we know we’re nearly there but on the flip side it’s about results and we know we have to make those happen. But there are definitely good elements to build upon.
“We want to win matches but must take the positives and make sure we build on it when the games return after the international break.
“It was nice to be on the scoresheet after getting my first for the Club in the Carabao Cup last week.” continued the player who arrived on loan over the summer from Villarreal, six months after Everton almost signed him before Tottenham Hotspur swooped in.
“I’m feeling better and better all the time. I know the club has had two difficult seasons and, honestly, this is a process.
“We want to be at the point where we kill games off. We’ve been getting a lot right – not that part, but I believe we are nearly there in terms of converting these performances into wins.
“I am really happy to be an Everton player and I am so committed to the process I’m talking about. I’m happy that I’m starting to score some goals now and I’ll be working to make sure there are a lot more to come.
“It really is an amazing feeling to be playing in front of Evertonians – finally! As I’ve said before, I felt like I already had a bit of history with the Club before joining here because of my journey to get here. I’m extra grateful for the fans giving me the support they have done, I truly am. I can feel it. I buzz off it and I feed off it.”
Danjuma’s strikes at Doncaster in the cup and at Bramall Lane gave Evertonians their first glimpse of what they hope will be a regular sight this summer — the Dutchman’s “Cobra” celebration where he mimics a coiled snake with his arms.
In a recent interview with the Premier League, he gave the back story.
“The reason for my celebration goes back to my childhood,” Danjuma explained. “I’m still with the same group of friends and when we were young, we were always outside and playing five-a-side.”
“A particular friend of mine, we nicknamed ‘The Cobra’ because of the way he played football.
“They are all still together and very supportive, they are always in the stadium, they’ve always supported my career and are part of me.”
“We’re all still together and as part of that togetherness, it’s my way of saying thank you to them. The Cobra is for my friends. They were with me and they are still with me.”