Everton boss Roberto Martinez has likened his current midfield to the club's greatest.
Martinez, speaking after the Toffees' 3-0 triumph over Lille, highlighted the importance of midfield anchors James McCarthy and Gareth Barry.
And, with the addition of Ross Barkley, who was an unused substitute on the night, the manager believes the threesome can become as vital to his side as Everton legends Colin Harvey, Howard Kendall and Alan Ball.
"I keep repeating myself in saying that [James McCarthy] doesn't surprise me," said Martinez. "He is just someone that fits so well with Everton.
"When you talk about the Holy Trinity of Everton in the Club's history - everything revolves around that midfield three - and now we have McCarthy, Barry and Barkley. I am really, really proud of that midfield."
Martinez continued: "It's a long time since won trophy, but the relationship between the Club and European football goes back to the 1950s.
"It's in our DNA and we need to galvanize that and see where we can get in the competition.
"I think the squad is large enough and we have enough quality to cope with many games, but if you start talking about the end of competitions in November, you can look a bit foolish. We'll keep working and see how far we can go."
