Everton may be returning to European football in the continent’s secondary competition, but they have been drawn in a group worthy of the Champions League, according to one of the men plotting their downfall.

Tottenham will be looking to replicate local rivals Arsenal’s recent success against Besiktas after being paired with the Turkish side in Group C of the Europa League.

Last season’s beaten finalists Athletic Bilbao were made to work hard by Croatian side Slaven Belupo before edging through 4-3 on aggregate in the Europa League third qualifying round.