Marco Silva has challenged Dominic Calvert-Lewin to further raise his game at Everton.
Calvert-Lewin is again a regular fixture in Goodison Park’s attack and has led the line ahead of fellow strikers Cenk Tosun and Oumar Niasse in recent weeks.
The 21-year-old’s extended run comes as the Blues seek a definitive option up-front, with teammate Richarlison operating in the no.9 role earlier this season.
But Silva is backing Calvert-Lewin to improve on an already promising career at the club and become a regular first-team option.
He said: “I am happy with him but I want more. He has the quality to give more to this team and to help us improve.
“He has specific qualities and he knows what I expect from him. If you see that he has started the last three games, it is because I believe in him.
“We are talking about a really young player. He is not a finished player of 28, 29 years old. He is learning as a player of 21. He is a good striker, a player with skills I really like in a striker, and of course he is part of the process.
“When I say I want more it is because I know he has the quality to improve every single day.
“He knows I am demanding, not just from him, but all of them. It is not just him, but Richarlison and [Ademola] Lookman. These are young players with quality who need confidence, patience and space to grow.”