Dominic Calvert-Lewin has opened up on the message Carlo Ancelotti gave him following his hat-trick against West Ham United at the end of last month.
The striker scored three goals as the Blues secured a 4-1 victory at Goodison Park over the Hammers to book their place in the quarter finals of the League Cup.
That was the 23-year-old's second hat-trick of the term, following on from his trio of strikes in the home victory over West Bromwich Albion earlier in the season.
Carlo Ancelotti has praised Calvert-Lewin's improvement in terms of one-touch finishes so far this campaign, with another two added to his tally in that sense against West Ham.
The opener from the striker, however, involved a lovely piece of control before sliding the ball beyond a helpless Darren Randolph - and the forward addressed that when describing his boss's words to him in the changing room.
Calvert-Lewin told evertontv : “When I came in to the dressing room after that game the manager asked me, ‘All one touch?’..
"But I don't think he minded me taking two touches for that goal. He is on at me every day to be in the right areas, to stay aware, to be on my toes in the box.
“I was as happy when I scored on the rebound after one came off the post. I had to be on the move and sniff where the ball was going to go.
“For me, it is about taking care of my business and making sure I am in the right place at the right time to put the ball in the net.
“The only person who puts expectation on me is myself. I don’t concern myself with anything outside that. I demand high standards from myself every day.
“I continue to work hard, like I always have, to get into this position. I am just grateful the quality behind me is producing the opportunities for me to score the goals.”
Richarlison was the other Everton man on the scoresheet that evening to continue what has been a fine beginning to the campaign for the Brazilian.
The progression both he and Calvert-Lewin are showing has impressed many, and the striker is full of praise for his teammate.
“You have to be excited and learn every day playing with Richi and James. We enjoy playing with each other," he added.
“He [Richarlison] is a top player and improving every day. He has aspects to his game you can’t teach.
“For him – and me – you have to hone those skills you have and fine tune them to become a top player. He is electric and his workrate off the ball cannot be underestimated.
“As a winger, getting up and down the pitch and creating chances and scoring goals, he has everything.
“We are the same age and maturing at a similar rate.”
