Bernard has set out his resolve to provide more match-winning contributions for Everton and become a fixture in Marco Silva’s starting XI.
Brazil international Bernard’s lightning-quick feet, direct running and eye for a pass have impressed since he arrived at Goodison Park last summer.
His ferocious work-rate has also caught the eye and the gifted winger insists he will continue to “give everything” every time he steps on the pitch.
The 26-year-old has made 25 Toffees appearances this season. He has delivered four assists and netted his maiden Everton goal in some style in January – his perfectly-weighted chip proving decisive in a 2-1 FA Cup success against Lincoln City.
Bernard says he is determined to bolster his goalscoring tally and help the Blues embark on a positive run of results.
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“Without a doubt, the position I play demands goals, so I go on the pitch wanting to score and to help the team,” he said.
“I have that desire to score goals, before I go on the pitch I think, ‘I need to score’.
“But I do not let that pressure me because it could harm my game.
“Hopefully the chances will come, and I can help the team by scoring goals.
“We have a lot of players who can create opportunities to score and players who score goals.
“But we all need to contribute.”
During his rise to prominence in his Brazilian homeland, Bernard showcased his capacity to provide a regular goalscoring outlet.
In his first full season at Atletico Miniero, he struck 11 times and teed up a further 12 goals for his teammates.
He was also instrumental in the team’s historic Copa Libertadores triumph in 2013.
The winger netted in their semi-final win over Newell’s Old Boys and laid on an assist in the final against Olimpia as Atletico won South America’s Champions League equivalent for the first time.
Bernard’s time at Ukrainian team Shakhtar Donetsk, meanwhile, saw him provide a goal or an assist on average every 2.5 matches.
At Everton, the talented playmaker is scrapping for a first-team spot with a host of attacking talents.
Bernard says he is eager to seize every opportunity he gets as he bids to cement a place in the manager’s starting XI.
“At all the clubs I have been at I have always looked to give my everything on the pitch,” he said.
“I respect the decision of the coach, I understand he decides who plays.
“I hope I give a response on the pitch [when I play]. I want to show what I can do every time.
“Hopefully I can do that and help the team to achieve the wins we all want.”
