Neal Maupay believes he can 'definitely' play alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin and has explained what Everton’s next steps under Frank Lampard need to be.
The 26-year-old became the club’s sixth summer addition, following the arrivals of James Tarkowski, Ruben Vinagre, Dwight McNeil, Conor Coady and Amadou Onana. Maupay had spent the past three seasons at Brighton, where he scored 26 goals in 84 Premier League starts.
Maupay has so far netted one goal in his time at the club, scoring the winner in Everton’s 1-0 win over West Ham United at Goodison Park back in September. However, in recent weeks, the forward has been restricted to appearances off the bench following the return to fitness of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
READ MORE: January transfer plans, contract decisions and full Everton state of play ahead of World Cup break
READ MORE: Leon Osman sends three pieces of advice to James Garner amid Everton goals prediction
Blues boss Frank Lampard has shown very little appetite to play with two forwards, with either Calvert-Lewin or Maupay being given the nod. However, Maupay is looking forward to getting the chance to show his boss that he and the England international can play together.
He said: “Of course. I think I can play alongside Dom as needed because we're different. We could definitely play together and I look forward to doing it but, of course, it's the manager's decision.
“Whether it's him, me, both of us... I don't think it really matters because we have a good squad and we have the quality to win games in this league.”
Everton have enjoyed a solid start to the season and currently sit 12th in the Premier League table following last season’s relegation scare. Saturday’s draw with Fulham was the Blues' fifth of the season - and Maupay has challenged his side to turn those draws into wins.
“It feels like we're on the right path. We're getting more comfortable with each other every game. Of course, we want to be winning more games but I think it'll come,” he said.
“We've got some new players but everyone is on the same page and you can see it. The next step is to turn those draws into wins and be more consistent week-in, week-out.”
Everton host Leicester City on Saturday before an away double-header at Bournemouth. The Blues will first contest a Carabao Cup tie at the Vitality Stadium next Tuesday before another trip to the south coast to face the Cherries in the Premier League four days later.
Those three games are the last ones the Blues will play before the World Cup break and Maupay is relishing returning to Goodison this weekend.
“It's massive. To play at Goodison gives us a little bit extra, the push we get from the fans from the first whistle is incredible,” he told evertonfc.com.
“On the other side, as I know from experience, it makes it more difficult for because our opponents have more pressure on them.
“I really enjoy playing at Goodison. Our last game there - the win over Palace - gave us a really good feeling and, of course, the aim is to get that back this weekend.
Before he added: “It's just a game but maybe it feels a bit more important because of the break. People remember what just happened, so it's important for us to have a good game and try to win. We're confident.
“We know Leicester have good quality and lately they have improved a lot so it's going to be tough and we'll have to work hard - but we'll be ready.”
READ NEXT
-
Duncan Ferguson explains why Everton turned down chance to sign Erling Haaland for £2m
-
Frank Lampard names figure key to Jordan Pickford's growing influence at Everton
-
James Tarkowski offers Conor Coady Everton insight as 'aggressive' Aleksandar Mitrovic point made
-
What Everton must do next after baffling VAR call as major area for improvement identified
-
Vitalii Mykolenko handed new Frank Lampard challenge as Everton defender adds 'extra threat'
