THEO GRAND WITH MARCO

MARCO SILVA has brought a new-found intensity to Everton – which is reflected in the football they play.

That is the verdict from Theo Walcott, who admits he is one of the beneficiaries of the new manager’s emphasis on high-energy, counterattacking football.

The winger won all the plaudits for his display at Bournemouth, but he says the credit has to go to the Portuguese coach’s positive mindset, which has seen a real sense of change at the club from the Sam Allardyce regime last season.

“Obviously I was Sam’s signing and I wanted to do well for him. Whoever is in charge I’m going to be working as hard as possible, but there is a very positive structure we have,” explained Walcott (above).

“The way we train is with that high intensity, the manager is bedding that into our system and it’s becoming a habit which is what you want it to become.

“You have to train the way you play. And then the manager will play you. Obviously we are learning from him as well, and what he brings to the team.

“It’s very positive in the group and that’s what you want it to be. The boss and the background are definitely very positive.

“I think you can sense the style we are playing is completely different to what we are used to and I am thoroughly enjoying it.”