DAVID MOYES has compiled the best squad of his eight-year Everton tenure.

That is the opinion of the Everton manager who is confident he is now working with the

strongest group of players at the club he joined from Preston North End in 2002.

Moyes is yet to win a trophy with Everton but has turned the club’s fortunes from what at best was mid-table respectability to challenging for a place in Europe each year.

Everton narrowly missed out on a Europa League place last season despite a disastrous start to the campaign.

Just two defeats in 24 league games since late November saw Moyes’ side propelled up the table.

It was Champions League challenging form and largely a consequence of Everton’s injury-hit squad returning to full fitness.

The return of Mikel Arteta and Phil Jagielka after lengthy lay-offs provided a huge boost.

Together with the club’s young, up and coming talent such as Jack Rodwell and Seamus Coleman, who have both impressed on the pre-season tour of Australia, Moyes is pleased with the players he has assembled at Finch Farm.