Gerard Deulofeu exclusive: Everton's mix of youth and experience 'amazing'

Gerard Deulofeu says Everton's mix of youth and experience is "amazing", and insists the club need to be in Europe next year.

Deulofeu, who joined Everton in the summer from Barcelona, has been on fine form of late, and earned the man of the match award in the 2-0 Capital One Cup quarter-final win at Middlesbrough in midweek.

It is the 21-year-old's second stint at Goodison Park following a loan spell in 2013/14, and Deulofeu says the side have a good mix age as they look to move up the table towards the European spots.

Everton, sitting ninth in the Premier League, six points off fourth, host Crystal Palace on Monday Night Football.

Deulofeu told Sky Sports: "[Roberto Martinez] gave me more confidence in my life. With him I speak Catalan, because he is from Catalunya, it is easier for me because if I don't understand one question, he will tell me in Catalan, and for me it's more easy. 

"This team is amazing. For young players, Rom [Romelu Lukaku], Ross [Barkley], John [Stones], me, James McCarthy, and the team have experienced players, Phil Jagielka, Gareth Barry, and it's a good combination. I think Everton this year need to stay in Europe.

"The [Capital One Cup] semi-finals against Man City will be difficult, against the most important club in the Premier [League], but I want to play the final at Wembley, it's an amazing stadium."

Barcelona have a buy-back clause for Deulofeu over the next two years, which Martinez confirmed in November is £6.3m for the first year and £8.6m for the second.

But Deulofeu insists he is only looking to play well for Everton over the coming years, and that the final decision is with the La Liga champions. 

"Barcelona is part of my life. Barcelona have two years buy back. I want to play good for Everton for many years, and in the future the decision is with Barcelona."

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