Demarai Gray has admitted working under Rafa Benitez has caused him to look at his game in a new way and he is enjoying the challenge.
In the opening game of the season, the former Birmingham City man adopted a role behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin as opposed to his more conventional wide position.
Everton have looked to change their attacking play this season, with the amount of crosses being put into the box against Southampton being a notable difference from the last campaign.
Having now worked with the Spanish coach for a month, Gray believes that Everton can be a dangerous team this season and has revealed what Benitez is asking of him in training.
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“Based on pre-season and the first game, I feel like I can help the team in multiple positions across the front line”, he explained.
“For me, it's about getting into areas where I can affect the game more frequently.
“There are small details about my game that can make a big difference. It's also about my reactions. There are things that I hadn't really thought about too much before working with him, so it's been refreshing.
“He's so demanding and when he talks and explains, you understand exactly why he wants what he's asking for and what can happen if you do them”, he continued.
“I find myself agreeing with everything he says. I'm willing to work and it's been great to work with him so far.”
Arriving at Finch Farm from Bayer Leverkusen as a 25-year-old Premier League winner, Gray has already gained a wealth of experience.
After breaking into the Birmingham team aged 17, he eventually signed for Leicester in 2016, but struggled for regular football as the Foxes continued their push for European football.
However, Gray insists he is now a more mature player than he was when he arrived in the Premier League and is ready to become a leader under Benitez.
“I was a boy when I went to Leicester from Birmingham. A young, excited boy that was literally just living his dream”, he admitted.
“I went through a few rollercoaster seasons after that - from winning the league to a difficult year that followed. There was a lot of character-building because it wasn't easy.
“I feel like now as an Everton player, I'm very experienced now. I'm a man now and I'm confident. I'm not a young player anymore, I feel like I can be a leader in this squad.
“There are many leaders in this team but leadership is something I want to take on, demanding the most from myself and help get the most out of the squad.”
Off to a winning start in a Blues shirt, the attacking midfielder will be looking to seize his opportunity to develop under the Everton boss and help re-establish himself in the top-flight.
