Season › 2013-14 › News Change in mentality sparks Mirallas Lyndon Lloyd , 8 February, 0comments | Jump to most recent Kevin Mirallas says that a combination of his own attitude and more freedom to play in his preferred role under Roberto Martinez is behind his recent sparkling form which has come at just the right time for Everton. The Belgian has weighed in with five goals and as many assists so far this season but has really stepped up his level of performance since the turn of the year as the Blues' injury problems started to bite. After a subdued start to the season, during which he was deployed wide on the right wing and overshadowed by his compatriot Romelu Lukaku's explosive start to life at Goodison Park, Mirallas has scored three times in his last five games, most notably that stunning winner last weekend against Aston Villa. With Lukaku and Ross Barkley sidelined by injury in recent weeks, the 26 year-old has reveled in being played in a more central role and he cites both that change in role and competition for places as big factors behind his change in approach. “I've changed my mentality and I think I'm more positive,” he says in the Liverpool Echo. “I'm playing in different positions and I think my best position is in behind the striker. “There are a lot of players in the squad now who can play in my positions and I think that is good for me. “We have Gerry, Aiden, Stevie, Ross, Ossie - we have lots of players. That is good for me because we have lots of competition but also it allows me to play in different positions.” His uptick in self-belief has also been reflected in his delivery from free kicks, with two stunning strikes in the past month responsible for wins over Norwich and Aston Villa. "I've told myself there is no reason why on the pitch my free-kicks can't be the same [as in training]," he says. "Now it's good. “I speak with Leighton and we'll discuss whether a position is better for him or for me. I think it's very good for Everton because we've got options on either side with free-kicks so we can always be a danger when we get free-kicks." About these ads © ToffeeWeb