Leighton Baines targeting Everton improvement

Leighton Baines, Everton(Getty Images)

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Everton full-back Leighton Baines is determined to build on a successful season at Goodison Park as he looks to push the club and himself onto better things.

The 26-year-old was vital in helping the Toffees finish in seventh place in the Premier League last term, and he is keen to keep improving rather than settling for a spot outside of Europe.

“It is important not to think ‘that is enough’ and stand still because once you stand still you are effectively going backwards as other people are improving as well,” he told the club’s official website.

“I just want to keep on improving really, that is the most important thing and I have been lucky enough to do that over the last few seasons.

“I will go away, enjoy my break, come back and look at ways to improve – whether it be discussing my game with the coaching staff here or something that I am already aware of.

Baines made 42 appearances for David Moyes’ side last term, contributing 11 assists – the best for a defender and fifth best of all players in the Premier League, whilst also chipping in with seven goals.

“For me, getting the assists is probably more important than scoring the goals because it is an important part of my game to help the team by doing those sorts of things,” he said.

“I was really pleased with my return for assists. I think it was pretty much the same last season as the one before.

“As I have said before, a goal or an assist is all the same to me because it is a goal or an assist for the team, so I will take either.”

His impressive performances caught the eye of England manager Fabio Capello and the former Wigan defender earned himself a place in the England squad, making five appearances for the national side.

“You always learn, you never stop and I think even the more senior players are still learning on a weekly basis,” he continued.

“Goals are not the most important thing I need to do for the team, but it is something I like doing if I can and I was really pleased with my best tally for a season.”