Drenthe: Needs some lovin'

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Moyes believes in Drenthe

Everton boss David Moyes reckons a little molly-coddling and ego-stroking can go a long way to getting the best out of winger Royston Drenthe.

Currently on a season-long deal at Goodison Park from Real Madrid, the on-loan wideman has become a firm favourite among the supporters since his arrival.

The 24-year-old was on target in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Blackpool to help the Toffees book their spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Premier League rivals Sunderland.

Despite the Dutchman’s obvious talent, Moyes believes the former Feyernoord prodigy’s off-field antics stands to derail a potentially promising career.

“Coming to the Premier League is never easy for people to settle. Roy will say himself that there are a few things he needs to do better.,” the Scot told the Daily Star.

“There are a few things off the pitch. He needs to look after himself and he has to show me how much he wants it, as well as the players, because they want him in the sort of form he is. Possibly he lacked some self-belief.

“I think that when he came the crowd really took to him, but he’s been through periods where things haven’t been quite as good.

“But there’s always something in Roy that makes us think he can get us a goal at the right time.

“He’s always done well coming off the bench, having impacts in the game. In a lot of the games he has started, he’s not had as big an impact but he had an impact here.

“I actually didn’t know that he asked not to play at Madrid but now you mention it, there’s a bit in him where he could need a bit of confidence, a bit of loving, really.”