Everton's director of football Marcel Brands is happy with the work of manager Marco Silva.

The club ended the season in eighth; meaning they just missed out on European football at the expense of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

"In the final months of last season, you saw the style of play that we want to play," Brands told evertontv.

"Marco and his staff worked hard on that. The style of play was coming more to all the players. It gave us the results and results give confidence.

"That was good to see and hopefully we can continue when we start the Premier League again in August.

"The fixtures have been announced, which is always a special moment, and I was very curious to see it.

"We have some special things. In the first six games, we have two promoted teams [Aston Villa and Sheffield United]. I think the start of the season is really important."