Schneiderlin aims to repay mentor Pochettino by tripping up Chelsea

MORGAN Schneiderlin started the decade as a jobbing midfielder in League One before establishing himself as a French international signed by Manchester United and Everton for combined fees of £50million.

He credits the transformation to Mauricio Pochettino and today he has the chance to repay his former Southampton manager by blowing the Premier League title race wide open when Everton face leaders Chelsea at Goodison Park.

‘Pochettino changed the way I looked at football and myself,’ said 27-year-old Schneiderlin, whose career skyrocketed under the Argentine, now in charge of Chelsea’s title rivals Tottenham.

‘Everyone liked him at Southampton and what he’s doing at Tottenham now is amazing.

‘We still have a good relationship and I hope he’ll win the title this season. If not, I am sure he is going to get it in the next few years.’

Spurs have won eight games in a row and can close the gap at the top to one point should Schneiderlin inspire Everton to victory this afternoon shortly before Spurs meet Arsenal in the North London derby.

‘You don’t need to be good at maths to realise what could happen,’ he said. ‘There are four matches left after today. I am sure Spurs are hoping we win.

‘Tottenham are the most impressive side I have played against this season. They play the most attractive football. Mauricio deserves it as he works so hard.

‘My first job against Chelsea on Sunday is to stop Eden Hazard, Willian and Pedro.

‘After that, I am sure our midfield can cause Chelsea big problems.’ EVERTON v CHELSEA: Today, 2.05pm, BT Sport