Yerry Mina is being backed to prove himself at Everton.

The defender made just 13 appearances for Everton last season after injuries and fluctuating form meant Kurt Zouma and Michael Keane were the preferred choice for Marco Silva.

Juan Rios of Diario AS Colombia, however, believes the stage is set for a big campaign from the 24-year-old.

"When he is in the best physical condition he will be a key player for Marco Silva," Rios told the Liverpool Echo.

"He is a player with great defensive abilities and can score goals from set-pieces.

"He's in a major club in England, he wants to fight for the Europa League and a title after a long time. Mina is a very young player and in the Premier League they have not seen half of he can do for Everton in the future.

"He has a lot of competition with Keane and Zouma - if he stays - but without injuries he will also have to earn a place in the starting team.

"The most important thing for Yerry is that he remains on the team, that he has patience, because so many changes are not good for such a young player, he needs continuity and to adapt to the pace of the Premier League."