Deulofeu: The way the crowd cheered was amazing

Gerard Deulofeu has described his Everton debut and subsequent maiden goal as a ‘fantastic moment’.

The 19-year-old joined the Blues on loan from Barcelona this summer and made his competitive bow at Goodison Park in the 2-1 win against Stevenage on Wednesday evening.

Capping a dazzling performance with a well-taken 45th-minute equaliser, the winger was at the heart of many of Everton’s most promising attacks as they eventually sealed progression to the Capital One Cup third round through Marouane Fellaini’s extra-time winner.

Speaking exclusively to evertontv after the final whistle, Deulofeu said: “I’m very, very happy – both to make my debut and the way it has gone.

“The main thing is that we managed to win and get through to the next round. Let’s hope we continue this form and get three points on Saturday.

“[For the goal] I had to go a little bit back to pick the ball up from Steven Naismith but I went towards goal and got closer to the box. I could see there was an opening to put the ball into the bottom corner and it was a fantastic moment.

“To score my first goal in my first game in England was fantastic and the way the crowd cheered, it was a great moment.”

With Roberto Martinez stating his intention to be patient with his compatriot as he adjusts to life in the Premier League, Deulofeu himself admits he is determined to do all he can to help the team whilst developing individually.

“I’m happy with what I’ve done so far but I’m here to learn,” he explained.

“It’s all about getting better and working hard, trying to improve all the time – taking the team forward and progressing as much as we can.”

Surrounded by his teammates upon finding the net on Wednesday, the Blues’ number 10 already looks to be a popular character in the dressing room. Deulofeu explains that he has been warmly welcomed at Finch Farm and has struck up a friendship with Seamus Coleman in particular.

“They’re all great,” he said. “From the first day, they have been looking after me.

“But it’s funny with Seamus, we’ve kind of really hit it off from the first moment. We’re always laughing at something or other.

“So it’s going really well [here].”