Everton boss David Moyes believes the Toffees have “stepped up”, despite numerous injuries and recent departures for AFCON.
And he says he wants his team to “look even better” as they host Leeds on Monday night (January 26th) in the Premier League.
Both teams head into the game on the back of a 1-0 win and Moyes’ side will look to get the better of a team they’ve drawn twice and won only once against in their last five head-to-heads.
Moyes said: “I think we’ve stepped up, the team has improved greatly.
“But also players like Mykolenko and Keane have really stepped up.
“Sometimes I think we’re only three or four points from being in a really good position but we could also quickly be three or four points off a bad one.
“Forty points is usually the number thrown out to ensure staying up but the Premier League is so tight, you could easily slip.”
Everton confirmed that Jack Grealish, on a season-long loan from Manchester City, is being assessed with a return date to be confirmed.
The 30-year-old winger has played a big part in the Blues’ season, making eight goal contributions in 20 Premier League appearances.
Moyes said: “It’s not for me to give the timescales.
“It’s a big blow, he’s been a huge part of our success this season.”
Concerning talks on a potential permanent move to the club, Moyes said they’re in close contact with Manchester City and they’ll “see how things work out” as they move on.
When asked about any plans in the transfer window, Moyes replied that they’re just hearing to get assessments back from the specialist and that they’ll make a move from there.
Another key player for the Toffees this season has been Iliman Ndiaye, who recently won the African Cup of Nations with Senegal alongside teammate Idrissa Gueye.
Moyes added: “I’ve not had a chance to greet them yet and congratulate them.
“They’re being assessed ahead of the next game.”
Harrison Armstrong has recently been called back from his loan at Preston North End.
“If I can’t get him enough minutes, I’m not against him going back on loan.”
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Charly Alcaraz are back in training and “getting much closer to a return”, according to the Everton manager.
James Garner has been pivotal in recent weeks in midfield as he is fourth for most tackles won in the Premier League this season.
Moyes said: “He’s the club mascot at the moment, things are moving on concerning his contract.”
Everton are lacking points taken at home but their away form is amongst the best in the league.
Moyes said: “It’s a big change moving to a new stadium, it makes a big difference.
“At the start of the season we started well, we want to play better, we want Everton to look better.
“Leeds are a very good team, I watched them a lot in the Championship.
“I look forward to seeing Dom (Dominic Calvert-Lewin), we weren’t able to make things work but he’s certainly got his fitness back with his recent goals.”
A win for Moyes’ side could see them edge closer to their city rivals Liverpool who sit five points ahead in the Champions League qualification places.
