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Ronald Koeman believes ‘fantastic’ Mauricio Pochettino has made Tottenham stronger than Manchester United — and arguably Arsenal , too.

And manager Koeman says Spurs are the club that should be the target for his Everton side’s aspirations.

The Dutchman has the Blues on the coat-tails of the Big Six, but knows stepping up and cementing a place among the accepted elite presents a major challenge.

He insists, though, Everton can look at Spurs for inspiration, saying: “The best example for us is a club like Tottenham - many years trying to be part of the big teams and now, in my opinion, Tottenham is maybe stronger than Arsenal and is stronger than Manchester United is.”

(Image: Reuters)

Pochettino and Koeman both underlined their coaching credentials with their work with younger players when managing Southampton.

That is why Koeman admires Pochettino’s project at Spurs, and likes the way Tottenham have tied all their youthful talent to lengthy contracts.

“They have signed a lot of good young players for long term," he said. "I think it’s a really good way how they work under Pochettino. I think he is doing a fantastic job at Tottenham.”

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Everton’s only defeat in 10 Premier League matches came at White Hart Lane and Pochettino’s methods and beliefs are obviously shared by Koeman.

He says: “The easy way is to buy players.

"It’s a really tough competition for young players but I am the type of manager who will always give young players a chance, an opportunity to play in the first team if they deserve it.”