David Unsworth has urged senior players such as Wayne Rooney to play a leading role when Everton face Watford on Sunday.
Everton have lost their last five games, three of those under caretaker manager Unsworth, and are in the relegation zone.
Unsworth left Rooney, Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka at home for Everton's 3-0 loss to Lyon on Thursday, which ended their Europa League hopes.
All three are set to be involved on Sunday, and Unsworth said: "Senior players are always important and they're all top players with many appearances to their names.
"We've got a few young players in and around the squad as well, so their importance to those young players is vital.