David Moyes has called on Mikel Arteta to up his game,
in a bid to lift Everton into a challenging position in The Premier
League.
The Toffees have made a low-key start to the campaign, although
the weekend win over Fulham lifted them up to seventh in the
table.
Leon Osman has earned praise for his displays for Everton this
term, but Moyes does not feel Arteta is at peak form.
“We know that Mikel can play much better,” Moyes told the club’s
official website.
“He is aware of that and we have no doubt he can respond. It’s
just a dip by his high standards.”
Arteta could do worse that cast an eye the way of his fellow
midfielder Osman, who has been a consistent performer this
term.
“Ossie has been so consistent,” said Moyes. “He does all the
jobs, plays anywhere; he is someone who I think is one of the boys
at Everton who I would rely on.
“I expect him to do what he does because of the standards he
sets. I don’t think he has ever had many bad games for Everton. He
is terrific. He has great feet and ability to score goals
himself.”