Sylvain Distin has told Everton’s official website that he was impressed with the performances of Kevin Mirallas and Steven Naismith during Sunday’s Merseyside derby. Both new signings at Goodison Park, Distin believes their significant impact against Liverpool is a sign of the Blues’ quality in depth this season.
Steven Naismith arrived from bankrupted Glasgow Rangers in the summer, and scored the equalising goal after 35 minutes which levelled the scrappy contest at 2-2. Kevin Mirallas joined Everton from Olympiacos for a fee of £6million in August, and has since made a place for himself in the Everton starting line-up.
The Belgian international was taken off at half-time after picking up a knock, but experienced centre-back Distin is pleased with the winger’s first half contribution.
“I think Kevin did great. If he stayed on the pitch for the second half, we might have had a few more chances up front. He was playing really well going forward, providing good crosses as well and he could have scored a good goal today” said the Frenchman.
Distin also stated that he was impressed with Steven Naismith’s performances from the bench this season, as well as coming in for the suspended Steven Pienaar for the Merseyside derby.
“Against QPR, he came on the pitch and did great. He carried on today [against Liverpool] and that's what we need.
"The squad is not only the 11 players on the pitch; it's those on the bench and those in the stand. You need a big squad if you want to have a good season."
Naismith, 26, has told reporters he is going to be patient in regards to his Everton career, but is glad he’s netted his first goal for the club.
"At least I'm off the mark now for Everton and I can build on it," said Naismith "This first period is about settling in and getting used to the training.
"I never came expecting to play every week. But I work hard every day to get back to where I was before and this was just another step towards that" he added.
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