Former Everton defender Abel Xavier is pleased to see Marco Silva in charge at Goodison Park.

Xavier enjoyed success with Everton and Liverpool during his playing career.

“Evertonians will like Marco Silva's thinking and I am certain he will raise the team's level," Xavier told evertonfc.com.

“Everton fans love their team to be competitive and aggressive. But they also love good football.

“Marco is a coach who improves players and, when you watch his teams, it is clear what he is asking from them. He has had a positive influence at all his previous clubs and quickly assembled a very good squad at Everton.

“When you see strong players coming from Barcelona and wanting to join Everton (Silva recruited defenders Lucas Digne and Yerry Mina and midfielder Andre Gomes from the Nou Camp) it says a lot about the people inside the Club.

“Everton has a lot of ambition and they can have a big season."