Davy Klaassen wants Everton to issue a signal of intent on his return to Holland.
The former Ajax captain sets foot back in his homeland as the Blues prepare to take on FC Twente in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday evening.
But serious competition is little more than a week away with Ronald Koeman’s side discovering the fate of their Europa League opponents just 24 hours later.
Either SK Brann or Ruzomberok will travel to Goodison Park next Thursday for the first leg of Everton’s third round qualiier.
And summer arrival Klaassen is keen for Everton to demonstrate a signal of intent in their pre-season encounter with the Eredivisie outfit.
He said: “We need to get stronger and get ready for next week so we can play 90 minutes.
“We have a strong squad but it’s up to us to play well and prove to the manager we are ready to start the first Europa League match.
“Pre-season is all about building fitness but we have a competitive match coming up, too, so we need to be ready.
“That and the tactics are the most important thing for the game.”
Klaasen joined Everton last month in a deal worth £24 million and the 24-year-old spoke about settling in on Merseyside since completing his move to England.
“I’m really enjoying everything, I’m settling in well and enjoying training,” he told evertontv.
“The manager told me of his ambition to get us higher than the season before and that there will be other signings as well and the last few weeks we’ve got five or six new players.
“I’ve met a few fans. They’ve recognised me and it’s always nice to hear them say, ‘Welcome to the Club’, and, ‘Are you settling in well?’ They’ve been really kind to me.”