EVERTON boss David Moyes paid tribute to Thomas Gravesen today - and revealed a weight-loss programme has helped create the Danish midfielder's new streamlined look.
Gravesen (right) has been an Everton inspiration this season, after his Goodison career reached a crisis point last Christmas.
The Blues' boss has put the turnaround down to a rigorous fitness regime the player has put himself through.
"He admitted to me he needed to lose some body weight and he has done that. His body fat is lower and he looks in real good shape right now," said Moyes.
"That's down to him rather than the training here. People talk about us being a fitter side, but it's a fallacy to say that we run them hard every day. Everything's done with a ball and the intention is to produce good football players, not athletes."
Gravesen was substituted at Blackburn last season, a decision which angered the travelling Evertonians who directed their disappointment towards Walter Smith for the first time.
He goes back there this season as one of the first names on David Moyes' team-sheet.
"Thomas is a very good player," he explained. "He gives us a little bit of individuality in the middle of the park which is why he came straight back in for Tobias last Saturday.
"I heard about the breakdown in communication, shall we say, last Christmas, but since I have been here he has never given me a problem.
"His teamwork is improving and that's what I want here, good team players, but he also gives something a little different. "I remember him when Everton came to Preston for a pre-season friendly a couple of seasons ago and he and Alex Nyarko were outstanding. I thought then that Everton were sure to go on and enjoy a good season."
While Gravesen is a certain starter on Sunday, Alan Stubbs is hoping to join him after coming off last weekend with a groin strain.
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