Everton youngster Nathan Markelo has admitted he thought he would have made his debut for the Toffees by now but is hoping a loan deal with Twente will make that a reality.
Markelo joined the Premier League club from Volendam in 2017 but is yet to make a first-team appearance, instead spending his time starring in Premier League 2.
He will now spend the season on loan with FC Twente in the Netherlands, with Everton having agreed to loan him out for a year.
That deal was completed on Monday, with reports indicating that Marcel Brands was keen to send the youngster out on loan to gain first-team experience.
That is something Markelo is in tune with, although he admits he thought his first-team debut would have come at Goodison Park by now.
“I play in the Premier League. That’s one of the biggest leagues in the world. The level is so high,” he told 1Twenter Enschede, relayed by Twente Fans.
“A year in the Eredivisie could help me make that step to the Premier League.
“I expected that my debut at Everton could have been made already, but it hasn’t happened yet.”
“Everton is a big club with many interests. You can’t just let young players play. In England you play men’s football, you really play against bears.
“I’ve learned a lot physically. When I look at speed, I also see that I have become faster. Also my duelling strength has improved.”
