Leighton Baines believes there is “genuine competition in every position” in Everton’s new-look squad.
The defender’s second-half strike was all that separated the Blues and MFK Ruzomberok in Thursday’s Europa League third qualifying round first leg at Goodison Park.
The Toffees head to Slovakia this Thursday for the second leg, bidding to make the play-off stage of the competition and what is hoped will be a long and successful run in the continental competition.
And with the perennially hectic Premier League calendar and two domestic cup competitions to factor into the equation, Baines accepts Ronald Koeman will have to make full use of his healthy stock of playing resources throughout the campaign.