PHIL JAGIELKA believes pushing Marouane Fellaini further forward has helped bring the best out of his Everton team-mates this season.
In-form Fellaini has played an integral role in the Goodison outfit’s 100% start to the Premier League campaign. The Belgian netted the winner in the opening-day triumph over Manchester United and was on target again in last Saturday’s 3-1 victory at Aston Villa.
Everton manager David Moyes has advanced Fellaini into an attacking role in support of striker Nikica Jelavic, and Jagielka has hailed the impact of the change.
“Felli’s in great form,” said the centre-back. “He has scored two goals but that’s not all his offers. The link up from back to front and him bringing in the small playmakers was fantastic.
“We have a great link-up down the left with Steven Pienaar and Leighton Baines, and we were desperate to sign Stevie P for that.
“Steven Naismith came in against Villa and caused them lots of problems with his runs, and Ossie (Leon Osman) tucked inside and showed what a good footballer he is.
“Gibbo (Darren Gibson) was like our quarter-back at Villa in the first half. Hopefully we can keep the side together and keep going ahead and not have to chase too many games.”
Everton travel to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday aiming to win their opening three league games for the first time in 19 years.
