The 18-year-old has signed his first professional contract with Everton and the young defender said his future goal is to work hard to enter the first team.

Van Schul, who played in Everton's youth training, said in an interview, "This is a very special moment for me and my family. This is something we have been working hard for all our lives, so it is a very proud moment to sign a professional contract now. When you keep working hard, especially in the past few years, you are getting closer to your goal, and the moment you finally achieve it is really wonderful."

“Last season was really good for me, I think I really found my form and captained the team a lot. When manager Leighton Baines got promoted to the first team, we had Keith Southern in charge but it went well. It was a good season for me personally.”

Van Schul added: “My goal is to try to get into the first team and see how far I can develop, but more importantly it’s about improving myself and trying to do my best and trying to get the chance to play in the first team.”

On the other hand, Everton will play against Accrington Stanley and Blackburn Rovers in friendly matches respectively, and then fly to the United States to participate in pre-season games to continue preparing for the new Premier League season.