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ESPN staff 10y

Deulofeu frustrated by Everton loan

Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu feels he deserved more playing time while on loan at Everton, but says there were plenty of positives to take from his time at the club.

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Deulofeu, 20, spent last season with the Toffees, making 29 appearances, before returning back to Spain this summer.

And the Spain international, who is hoping to force his way into Barca boss Luis Enrique's plans, feels he could have been used less sparingly by Roberto Martinez while on Merseyside.

"Until you go somewhere else you don't know what you've got," he is quoted as saying by the Liverpool Echo.

"I'm glad I spent a year at Everton. I learned a lot of things. It was a good experience for me, and I have improved in terms of fitness, the physical side and defending.

"I really enjoyed it at Everton, but I am left with the feeling of having played a few minutes. I still think I deserved to play more, although my mid-season injury had an impact."

Now back at Barca, Deulofeu faces the challenge of competing alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and new signing Luis Suarez for a starting spot.

"Coming home was always my objective," he said. "I am confident I can establish myself in the team, because if I wasn't, then I wouldn't be here.

"I know that Barca has the best footballers but I am confident in myself and have high hopes of winning myself a place.

"If I don't work hard enough, then other players will play instead of me. Messi, Neymar and Suarez are three of the best players in the world, but we still have to prove that we have the best forward line in the world.

"The coach won't be giving away places for free, we all have to work. I am looking forward to learning from them."

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