"You don't get that spirit in a pub or on bonding sessions, the only way is by working with each other on the training ground and knowing each other as footballers.
"I think people undervalue how big a thing that can be in a team.
" You could have money like Roman Abramovich and hand pick the 11 best players in the world but if you don't have the right spirit the success won't follow.
"From what I have seen so far Everton have got as good a chance as anybody of finishing in a very good position in the table.
"They will finish in the top half of the table without a doubt."
Hinchcliffe ' s confidence is based on the knowledge that Everton's bright start will have been noted by opposition players.
He adds: "When you are playing with the kind of passion and heart Everton are displaying right now other sides don't look forward to coming up against you because they know they won't get any time on the ball.
"That is a reputation you can use to your advantage.
"You can judge a side's confidence by the running they do when they don't have the ball and Everton are working tire-lessly for each other."
Middlesbrough may not admit it, but they will have taken note. And they won't be looking forward to Sunday's visit to Goodison.
