Everton striker Cenk Tosun has scored four goals in his last three games but he got off to a slow start at this new club.
The Turkey international went four games without starting before scoring his first goal against Burnley.
Toffees coach Craig Shakespeare revealed that Tosun himself asked Sam Allardyce for extra training sessions.
Big Sam picked up quite a lot of stick after revealing Tosun was not fit enough for the Premier League and came under fire when he dropped him in favor of Oumar Niasse.
It turns out that Tosun realized he had to get up to speed.
Shakespeare praised the striker’s mentality and underlined that he is now reaping the rewards.
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“I think when Cenk came he was quite surprised by the tempo of the Premier League and it took a bit of time for him to adjust, not only to his surroundings but to English football,” Shakespeare explained.
“We saw as staff his willingness to work. He wanted extra training and that comes with the added complication of ensuring he does not do so much that his legs are then too tired for the games, so we had to get that right with the sports science department.
“But I saw a real drive in him and I am really, really pleased because some of the work he has been doing on the training field has now come out in the games.”
Shakespeare waxed lyrical about Tosun’s personality.
The 26-year-old is a no-nonsense, hardworking player with a great work ethic. He was the same at Besiktas as well. One of his biggest strengths at the Black Eagles was the fact he continuously worked on his game and improved weaknesses.
“The player’s personality will either grow on you or it will suggest they might need that little bit of a kick up the backside,” he added.
“We knew from when Cenk came that he was a willing worker, so then, as a coach, you are more likely to put your arm around him than kick him up the backside.
“And you can see now in the work he is doing that he is reaping the benefits.”
Tosun is currently on international duty with Turkey ahead of friendly games against Ireland and Montenegro.
The 26-year-old faces his biggest test yet after the break with games against Manchester City followed by the Merseyside derby against Liverpool.