Carlos Alcaraz says the players have spoken about their ambitions and believe a top half finish is a realistic target
Everton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz looks on during the Premier League Summer Series match against Manchester United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by AJ Reynolds/Getty Images
Everton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz looks on during the Premier League Summer Series match against Manchester United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by AJ Reynolds/Getty Images
Carlos Alcaraz believes Everton should be aiming for a top-half finish this season. The 22-year-old said he and his team-mates are optimistic about the upcoming campaign and have discussed how they want to approach it.
A good start will be key, they agree, with the squad focused on continuing the fine momentum they ended last season with as David Moyes’ side finished with three consecutive victories.
Alcaraz was crucial to that run of form, producing an influential display in the comeback success at Fulham before grabbing the winner in the last match of the campaign, at Newcastle United. His end-of-season form was inspired by his desire to convince Moyes and Everton to convert his loan move to a permanent one.
The Argentine’s efforts proved successful with the Blues and Flamengo finalising a £12.5m deal less than a week after the win at St James’ Park.
That made Alcaraz the club’s first signing in a summer of immense transition and six more have followed.
Manager Moyes remains eager for more options and has had his pre-season plans hit by injuries to the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite and Jarrad Branthwaite.
Alcaraz, speaking to the ECHO and other outlets ahead of the season-opening trip to Leeds United on Monday, remains positive though.
He said: “We know that we have a strong squad and an excellent quality of player in the squad and in the group. David Moyes and his coaching team are fantastic as well.
“This is Everton Football Club and we want to start the season in the same way as we finished last: in the best way possible.
“We did finish the last season strongly. We have added players to the squad who have a mix of qualities and good experience among some of those. I think that is really positive.
“We have spoken about being positive and starting the season well. Thinking about a finish, you don't want to put a number on it but we should be looking top 10 upwards rather than looking down from 10 downwards.”