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Former Everton defender Shkodran Mustafi has backed the Blues to avoid relegation this season as they have “quality in the team”.

The defender has been speaking to Sky Sports Germany about his career so far and his former clubs, which happens to include Everton.

The German centre-back was with the Toffees from 2009 to 2012, joining their reserve from Hamburg’s U17s before departing for Sampdoria three years later.

He never made the grade at Goodison Park, managing just one appearance for the senior team and instead spending most of his time in the youth set up and reserves, making 34 appearances for the Under 21s.

It appears that does not mean he doesn’t keep an eye on his former club, though, and is more than aware of their relegation battle this season.

After narrowly escaping the drop last season Everton are currently 19th in the table and two points from safety, with the 4-1 defeat to Newcastle this week putting them closer to a relegation.

Mustafi doesn’t see Sean Dyche’s side being relegated, though, believing that there is enough quality in the squad to get them out of trouble.

“My time at Everton was a long time ago, but I always follow what the club does, which players or coaches they sign,” he said.

“Since the departure of David Moyes there is a feeling that the club has lost continuity and stability.

“Everton have struggled in recent years. But I believe that the quality in the team is so high that it won’t be relegated.”