Robles loving Everton’s noisy home crowds

All players cope with the pressure of huge crowds differently and Everton’s Joel Robles insists he thrives on the vocal home support at Goodison Park.

With first choice Maarten Stekelenburg out injured, Robles kept two clean sheets in his first three starts during the Christmas and New Year period.

And following in the historic footsteps of the likes of Neville Southall and Gordon West between the Everton sticks, Robles is aware of the necessity to perform.

“Every time I play, it is special. The responsibility of being Everton’s goalkeeper is something I’m aware of,” he said.

“This club has had some great goalkeepers over the years and that means there is pressure from the fans – but that’s the way it should be and I enjoy that.

(Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)

“The fans are always loud, even if we aren’t playing well. We all appreciate the support they give us. I like the pressure of playing in front of our fans.

“Sometimes, you’ll hear them shout at me ‘catch’, ‘play it quick,’ – things like this. I like it. They care and they want me to do well.

“I love the Evertonians. We are lucky to have very good fans who get behind us and follow us wherever we play. It’s very important for us.”