Use your head and sign up now for the Everton FC newsletter Sign up now Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

He has heard all about the intimidating cauldron of noise which can render opposition teams helpless.

And Jordi Cruyff reckons Goodison Park can be a key asset for Everton FC as they bid to make their mark on Europe next season.

The former Barcelona and Manchester United midfielder has received glowing reviews about the Old Lady from his best friend Roberto Martinez.

And Cruyff, who guided Maccabi Tel Aviv through an impressive Europa League campaign last season, is convinced home comfort will help the Blues flourish in what will be a hectic coming campaign.

“Everton are a very highly respected club across Europe,” says the 40-year-old. “A lot of teams will come to Goodison with extra motivation.

“The Premier League is the place to be and many players will come there and give 200per cent because you never know what happens in the future if you stand out.

“But on the other hand when you play at Goodison you can get sucked into the atmosphere, the enthusiasm of the fans and some teams will come with a lot of respect which can work in Everton’s advantage. It depends on the draw.

“Goodison can be a real plus. If you face big club who also have passionate fans then their players are used to it, but if they are not they may find it daunting.”

Last summer Cruyff told the ECHO that the Blues had just made a wise appointment when they lured the former Wigan manager to Merseyside.

And he is thrilled that the man who is godfather to his son has been such a hit during his debut season in the Toffees hot-seat.

“In football the only thing you can do is give 100per cent,” he says. “Circumstances can make things work negatively or positively and this year they have worked very nicely.

“As Roberto’s friend I am very pleased and as a football fan I’m even more pleased to see his style of play be so successful.

“I’ve known him for a long time and he has always had this clear vision for how football should be played.

“All his life he has tried to impose that philosophy and now he is the big boss he can implement that direction.

“It’s nice to see.

“I’ve watched a lot of Everton games and the players have coped well with the transition. It’s fun to watch and also to see them getting positive results is even better.

“The chemistry was certainly there between the players. You can see they have taken the philosophy onboard and they firmly believe in what they are doing which is clearly important.

“Now they have added games with the Europa League and the calendar gets a bit more squeezed. Roberto will know he has to regroup.”

Martinez will, of course, face the oncoming challenge with his usual reserves of boundless optimism – an approach which comes as no surprise to Cruyff.

“He has always taken the positives from any situation – that’s just how he is,” he says. “He’s that kind of guy, someone who believes in his players, in himself and in his strategy.”

One thing which does surprise Cruyff is the attention Martinez has received for his snappy dressing among the royal blue faithful.

The Catalan’s sharply-tailored coats and brown leather brogues have only further endeared him to fashion-conscious scousers, but a slightly bemused Cruyff says: “He has his way.

“He has a good sense of humour and while I’ve never discussed his fashion with him I’m not surprised he is making a good impression on every front.”

Either way, the Dutchman says his pal will have more pressing matters than his wardrobe on his mind this summer.

“Managers never have a calm time,” says the man who has just helped his own club to its second Israeli premier league championship in a row.

“When everyone thinks the season has finished and you can put your feet up and relax, the manager keeps going. He is always thinking how to improve the team.

“I’m sure every moment he is spending on his laptop reading scouting reports or talking on his phone.

“The Europa League will mean even more work for everyone.

“Everyone tries to find the right way to handle the extra games. It’s more tiring and there is a lot of travelling.

“The challenge is to keep working in the Premier League while also showing good things in Europe.

“It’s not easy. Some big clubs have suffered trying to do it. But I’m sure Roberto has his strategy and will be working on it as we speak. It’s tough but enjoyable.”

And Cruyff has a final message for another Everton employee destined for a busy summer.

Like everyone else in world football he has been impressed by Ross Barkley’s rise.

He hopes the 20-year-old thrives for England in Brazil, but equally insists he is in the right place to flourish for the long-term at Goodison.

“He is an exciting talent and there are a lot of them at Everton,” he says. “Let’s see how he goes.

“When you are that young the best thing is to not think about the future and where you will be in a few years time, but to focus on your daily work. It’s better to be a doer than a thinker.

“Ross must keep trying to improve himself and he is under the right manager to do that.”

For all the latest Everton FC news, click here