Einer Iversen is enjoying life at Everton FC as he targets more game time for the U23s.
After watching from the sidelines for much of the first half of the season, Iversen has become a regular feature in the side.
And it includes an influential performance as Everton claimed a stoppage time winner when they beat Derby County last week.
The dynamic midfielder is aiming to kick on and believes game time is key to his continued progression.
He said: “My personal goals are really just to play as many games as possible. I think my confidence is increasing and it’s going better and better, to be honest.”
Iversen is also appreciating the talents of his teammates and is keen to learn from them as he looks to add more strings to his bow, citing use of physicality as main target area.
“I learn from all the players in my position every day, like Benny, Dennis, I see what they do and I try the same things. I also want to improve physicality; I think that needs to improve as well.”
Having made the jump from the U18s at the beginning of the season, Iversen initially struggled with the switch, but believes that he is beginning to adjust.
“It’s a very big step. I think it’s bigger than most people think actually, the under 18s to 23s.
“So, at the start it was a bit tough because it was faster, everyone’s physical. But now it’s just going better and better.”
The midfielder credits manager David Unsworth for increasing his positivity on the pitch, as well as the ease with which he has begun life with the U23s, as
“I’m trying to go forward, every time I get the ball, as much as possible. Last season, it was a bit more, the tempo wasn’t as high, it was a bit more passing backwards and sideways.
“But now when I get the ball I try to get forward every time. That’s probably the biggest difference. And everything has to be faster as well, because it’s U23s.
“It is competition yeah, but that’s only good because it helps you stay focussed in training every day. Like me when I’ve not been getting in the team. Every day in training I’ve tried to do my best, and I think that’s helped.”
(Photo by Josh Brain)
