Royston Drenthe confident of making Everton impact

Royston Drenthe has signed on a season long loan deal (GETTY IMAGES)

Royston Drenthe is confident he can make an impact in the Barclays Premier League with Everton.

The Real Madrid winger yesterday joined the Toffees on a season-long loan during a busy day transfer deadline day at the Merseyside club.

The 24-year-old Dutchman has slipped out of the first-team picture at the Bernabeu and spent last season on loan at Hercules.

Drenthe told the club's website, www.evertonfc.com: "I think that my qualities are English qualities, the way I play football.

"I have technique and I like to work hard. I think this competition is a perfect competition for me.

"The Spanish league was a good league but different. It is not so fast, it is slow.

"Here it goes fast and I think that is more my style of play."

The former Feyenoord player had become frustrated at Madrid and, even though his move to Everton was frantic as the club tried to beat the deadline, he is pleased it went through.

He added: "It was on the last day but I am feeling really happy, all my family is happy and I think I can do a really good job at Everton.

"I think it is a good team and it is good for my future. I am glad to be here.

"It has been a really difficult month for me, training hard with Real Madrid but not playing with the team. That kind of thing is hard for a player."

Everton fans will hope Drenthe can impress after the shock of losing playmaker Mikel Arteta to Arsenal late last night.

Jermaine Beckford and Ayegbeni Yakubu also left the cash-strapped club, who have been unable to significantly strengthen their squad for two years.

Drenthe will at least be joined at Goodison Park by 23-year-old Argentinian striker Denis Stracqualursi, who has signed a season-long loan from Tigre.

Stracqualursi said: "It is a pleasure to be here, it is a big club in England.

"I am very happy and I will make a big effort to give everything."