midfielder Carlos Alcaraz has named as the world's best player, yet it was 's iconic 'Siuu' celebration that he chose to emulate last weekend. After scoring his first goal for the Toffees in a crucial victory over , Argentine star Alcaraz paid tribute to Ronaldo despite his national allegiance to Messi.

"I have always liked Cristiano despite being Argentinian," admitted the 22-year-old. "Obviously Messi I think is the best player in the world. There is no doubt there. But I have always liked Cristiano, I like his consistency, his dedication, his hard work, the way he has evolved and changed his style of play over the years. He has evolved to keep playing at the highest level. That celebration was just down to liking him so much, I always admired him."

Alcaraz will have another opportunity to dent the hopes of Ronaldo's former club, , when Everton welcome 's struggling side to Goodison Park on Saturday.

The January signing may be set for his inaugural start at the Grand Old Lady, but on Monday he was in the shadow of the new Everton Stadium as he discussed his decision to return to the Premier League after a brief six-month stint with Brazilian team Flamengo. "I was happy during my time in Brazil with Flamengo," stated the ex-Southampton star, who departed St Mary's in August.

"But stuff happened that involved other people and not directly me so even before that I was thinking I would love to come back to the Premier League because I think it is the best league in the world and I like a challenge. I wanted to challenge myself and what better way than to do so at a big club like Everton. That is why I wanted to come here."

Alcaraz has joined Everton on loan, but the Toffees have the option to make the move permanent. The player is keen to play for the Toffees in their new stadium next season.

He shows little interest in comparing his fame to the tennis star bearing the same name and has already adopted the nickname "Charly" within the club. Since joining on deadline day, he has been thrown into the deep end with Everton.

His first match with the Blues was as a substitute in the heated Merseyside Derby last week. "Loco, loco," he commented. No translation was required for that response.

"It was a mad derby, a crazy match, we were ahead and then in the end we managed to get a draw so a pulsating game and to say that was my first derby wearing this shirt I really enjoyed it, it was a fantastic occasion."

Alcaraz had been in contact with fellow countryman Alexis Mac Allister around the time of the game, but hasn't spent much time with the midfielder. Living alone in Merseyside after an 18-month stint on the south coast, punctuated by a loan at Juventus, Alcaraz is finding comfort in solitude.

However, within the club, he's quickly formed bonds, particularly with Jack Harrison, thanks to the English midfielder's fluency in Spanish and shared passion for the South American beverage mate. "The first person I came across because of his great Spanish is Jack," Alcaraz revealed. "We spend all the time together on and off the field and in training. We even share the odd mate [drink] together."

Alcaraz clarified that he wasn't the one who introduced Harrison to mate; the Leeds player was already familiar with it from his time under Marcelo Bielsa and his team. "It is just that I have got him back on it now."

He humorously noted that ' Spanish repertoire might be limited to "Hola" despite his time managing Real Sociedad, but communication hasn't been an issue as Alcaraz's command of English is quite strong.

Alcaraz, often hailed as a warrior on the field, is known for his dynamic presence, and Moyes is banking on him to deliver crucial goals like the decisive one against Palace last weekend to propel them up the league standings. "I am really happy here," he concluded.

"I know what a big challenge it is playing here for Everton but I think the confidence from the manager, his coaching staff and my teammates means I can do my thing, do my own stuff and prove who I am as a player."