Riquelme in bullish mood for Everton tie

Villarreal midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme is convinced his side have the quality to overcome Everton in the third qualifying round of the Champions League and progress to the lucrative group stage of the competition.

"If we play like we did last season, and we are sure we can, then we have a very strong chance of beating Everton," the Argentine playmaker was quoted as saying on the Spanish club's website.

"They play a very direct style of football and we shouldn't get drawn into playing like them, in fact we should do the opposite.

"Everton are very strong rivals but, if we want to go further in the Champions League, we will have to keep playing teams of their standard."

Although it was the club's first time in the Champions League, the 27-year-old felt their experience of reaching the latter stages of the UEFA Cup in the last two seasons would prove invaluable.

"The fact that we've played in the UEFA Cup means we know how to approach this game. You don't have to tell the lads what is at stake," he said.

"We all know this is a very important game and we are all very motivated."

Villarreal have brought in four major reinforcements since finishing a best ever third place in the Primera Liga last season.

Argentine goalkeeper Mariano Barabosa replaces Pepe Reina after the Spaniard's move to Liverpool, Luis Valencia and Alessio Tacchinardi add depth to the midfield and Dutchman Jan Kromkamp bolsters the defence.

Villarreal will be at full strength for tomorrow's first leg at Goodison Park, apart from the absence of Spanish forward Jose Mari.

Diego Forlan, last season's leading scorer in the Primera Liga, and Argentine international Luciano Figueroa will lead the Villarreal attack against the Premiership side.