Christian Atsu says Everton FC have yet to see the best of him – as he bids for a chance to impress against FC Krasnodar.
The on-loan winger has made only three starts since joining on loan from Chelsea in August.
However, Atsu is likely to be pushing for another in Everton’s final Europa League group fixture Thursday, with manager Roberto Martinez already implying that he will make changes to his team for the game.
Victory in Wolfsburg a fortnight ago ensured the Blues will top the group, no matter what the outcome is against the Russian side at Goodison.
“It’s been quite difficult since I came here but I believe things will be okay and go well,” Atsu said. “I’m working hard for the team and I believe the fans haven’t seen the best of me yet.
“I know everything depends on the player. The player has to work hard for the manager to see him and pick him to play. I know how football is and everything depends on me. I’m working hard to get into the team.
“I don’t know if I will start [on Thursday] but, if I do, I will give my best to the team and fans. I will make sure I will be at my best to help the team win.”
Atsu was in the starting line-up that drew 1-1 with FC Krasnodar in the corresponding fixture in September, when the Blues needed a late Samuel Eto’o goal to rescue a point at the Kuban Stadium.
According to Atsu, the fixture in Russia is evidence that although Thursday’s game is a dead-rubber, it will be far from a walkover.
The 22-year-old added: “We have a very good team spirit and we want to win every game. We are not treating it like we have qualified – we are not going out to relax.
“Winning will give us a lot of confidence ahead of the next game, so we want to go there and win. But it won’t be easy, because they are a very good side.
“They are well-organised and like to attack. I don’t know how they will play here but they attacked us [in the first game]. But we are at Goodison, our home, so we believe things will go well with the fans behind us.”
