Everton defender Kurt Zouma has admitted he is delighted with his partnership with Michael Keane.

The two have formed a good understanding at the heart of the Goodison Park club's rearguard.

And the Chelsea loanee hopes that it can propel them into a European spot in the league this season.

"We have more confidence and every one defends as a unit. Now everyone understands each other," said Zouma to reporters.

"We hold the ball a bit better, we are more compact as a team as we defend together and attack together.

"We are confident, are playing forward more and are playing better and we believe, but the season hasn't finished yet so we have go again next week and get a win.

"It wasn't difficult (to play with the change) because we're used to working hard in training altogether.

"The manager mixes defenders and we all know each other. Playing for the first time with the skipper has been good for me and he brings good experience for us me, Michael and Yerry Mina so we try to take all the experience he has. And his first goal in the Premier League this season was very important."