My aim is to be a winner.

I signed as an 11-year-old for Everton. I broke into the Under-18s at the age of 14, then the reserves at 15, then I was in the first-team squad at 16.

If I do well at Chelsea, then the national team will take care of itself.

I'll keep improving with more games.

In my mind I always think positive.

I've added a bit more composure on the ball and defensively got a bit cuter and improved in one-on-ones.

Each individual has their own pre-match ritual and pick off the menu. But I usually have a bit of pesto - either spaghetti or penne. On game-day I'll add a bit of meat to it and maybe some greens.

On derby day it's not down to form, it's on the day, who's prepared for the game and who wants to battle.

When I broke into the Everton side under Roberto Martinez, I was playing in the No. 10 role, and I had never played there before, so I was getting used to that role as a first-team player.

I was always a good cook from my mum showing me when I was a young lad, but hiring a chef helped me to understand food better.

Mum used to have my sister to look after, so I had to make my own way to training. I would get a bus to town and another one to Netherton. It would take about an hour.

I want to continue to improve season after season, which I think I've done.

As a kid, I looked up to Gazza, and to Wayne Rooney because he came through at Everton. Zidane has been one of my favourite players and I was always watching videos of him.

You play football to enjoy the game and the manager wants to be happy on the sidelines watching unbelievable football.

As a youngster as I was a centre-half, I liked being on the ball and coming out from the back. I took chances so I got put in midfield and then I was playing all over the pitch so adjusted wherever I needed to play.

You've seen players at Everton who have been built up but haven't made the grade.

Mum has been the biggest influence on me.

I have had expectations on me from a young age and I have dealt with them.

Everybody develops at different rates.

I have got a lot of confidence in my ability now, and I feel like I am going in the right direction and this shows in my performances on the pitch. As a person I feel a lot more confident.

Chelsea are always competing to win things and that was my thought to push myself and reach a new level.

You can never stop learning in football and I'm always trying to take little things on board that other players do.

I've got a defensive responsibility as well as trying to get goals and assists. I'm trying to do that.

I understand now the different games and the different approaches that you need to take at different times, with different styles of play.