Sylvain Distin: Martinez has added more balance to Everton

Sylvain Distin believes Everton have a more ‘balanced’ squad and that is the reason for their good start to the new season.

Roberto Martinez took over from David Moyes as the Scot departed for Old Trafford after 11 years at Goodison Park, but the Blues haven’t looked back, securing 18 points from their opening 9 matches and losing just once.

The excellent start under Martinez leaves Everton trailing table-topping Arsenal by just four points.

The French defender, who has spent four years at Goodison Park, told the Liverpool Echo: “I don’t think we’ve got a hugely bigger squad, but it’s more balanced now.

“I’d say the main difference from last season is that we’ve got players who can come on and change the game. Last season we had young players on the bench, and some had never played in the Premier League.

“That’s crucial and the two loan players (Gareth Barry and Romelu Lukaku) have changed us too.”

On Everton’s chances of breaking the top four, Distin said:

“We’ve had a good squad for a while and always been at the edge of breaking into that top four. I don’t think it’s the first season we’ve done well.

“The difference is that we started really well this season, whereas most seasons we start quite average and then finish well.

“The most important thing is not where we are now, it’s where we end up. We know we’ve got some tough games coming. We need to keep it going.”