Charly Alcaraz believes Everton should be targeting a top-half finish this season.
Alcaraz became the summer first arrival as David Moyes looks to set down a marker for the club’s maiden campaign in their new home at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Argentine midfielder impressed during an initial half-season loan spell from Flamengo as the Blues staved off relegation fears to register a credible 13th spot.
But Alcaraz feels that Moyes’ side have the potential to aim higher ahead of their new Premier League season kick off away to Leeds United on Monday evening.
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’s 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 ten upwards rather than looking down from ten downwards.”
Alcaraz also revealed the impact of fellow summer recruit Jack Grealish in the short time since he completed a season-long loan switch from Manchester City.
“He is a great guy. In the short time he has been here, he’s had time for everyone, chatted to everyone and tried to get to know everyone,” said the midfielder
“We knew he is a good player and I knew that before because I played against him. We have all seen him on TV. We have seen his quality. I think he can bring a lot to the club as a player.
“Here at Everton we are a team that likes to play football and put in the hard yards as well, we all run alot. He is going to buy into all that.
“We know what he can do in one-v-one situations. He can take two players out with a couple of touches. What I have been really impressed about is that he has been a real warrior in training, we want that attitude.
“We are at a club where we are all in it together. I think we can all help each other. We can help Jack in the same way that he can bring a lot to the party and help the club as well.”