'Silva wants attractive and attacking play'

Marco Silva’s attacking philosophy was a key reason to him being hired as the new Everton manager.

Marcel Brands, the club’s new director of football, has explained why the 40-year-old has taken over from Sam Allardyce.

“Marco is a young coach but also an experienced coach and he’s worked already at the top, while also gaining experience of the Premier League which is also an important factor,” Brands told Everton’s official website, referencing Silva’s spells at Hull City and Watford.

“One of the most important things is that he’s a guy who wants to play attractive, attacking football and also wants to work in the structure we have at Everton.”

Silva also acknowledged that points are not the only measure of success at Goodison Park.

“I know what our fans expect - they expect results but not only results,” he said.

“I want our fans to be proud when they see our team on the pitch. I want them to feel that we are committed, that we are working hard and enjoying our football because that is important as well.”

Promoting youth

The Academy at Everton has produced a number of first-team players in recent years, as well as the 2016/17 Premier League 2 champions, and Silva’s track record with youngsters was another factor behind him being named manager.

“He’s a guy who has proved already that he wants to work with young players, make them better and he has performed very well with the teams he’s worked with," Brands said.