Gerard Deulofeu: 'Everton's mix of youth and experience is amazing'

Gerard Deulofeu has described Everton's mix of youth and experience as "amazing" and insists that the Toffees will be in Europe next season.

The Spanish attacking midfielder has been in fine form this season, recently earning the man of the match accolade in his side's 2-0 win over Middlesbrough in the League Cup, where he scored the first and set up the second.

The Merseyside team are six points off fourth place and are in the semi-finals of the League Cup, which the 21-year-old is putting down to Everton's "amazing" squad.

"[Roberto Martinez] gave me more confidence in my life. With him I speak Catalan, because he is from Catalunya, it is easier for me because if I don't understand one question, he will tell me in Catalan, and for me it's more easy," Deulofeu told Sky Sports News.

"This team is amazing. For young players, Rom (Romelu Lukaku), Ross [Barkley], John [Stones], me, James McCarthy, and the team have experienced players, Phil Jagielka, Gareth Barry, and it's a good combination. I think Everton this year need to stay in Europe.

"The [Capital One Cup] semi-finals against Man City will be difficult, against the most important club in the Premier [League], but I want to play the final at Wembley, it's an amazing stadium."

Everton face Crystal Palace on Monday night as they look to improve on ninth place.