Enner Valencia was a complete panic buy when brought in during the closing stages of the summer transfer window – a signing that disappointed many and left many Evertonians writing the Ecuadorian off before he had even kicked a ball. And in their defence, watching him kick a ball at times at West Ham was painful.
But Enner Valencia is surprising many, for me included, and possibly even justifying an extended stay as the Everton number 19 as he has helped win games for the Blues. If you’ve had a wager on Everton matches in the recent past, there’s a good chance that Enner has helped you out big time!
Since his arrival, Enner has been used as an impact sub for the large majority of games, and he has been a livewire when introduced into any game. He is the strike partner that was so long missing for Romelu Lukaku as Everton cycled through Gerard Deulofeu, Arouna Koné, Lacina Traore and Kevin Mirallas with little success. Enner Valencia has succeed where those before failed, some more miserably than others.
The previously set transfer fee of £14m may seem a bit lofty for a player who will be a squad player, but when you look in perspective you see that Jordon Ibe and Lazar Markovic have all commanded similar transfer fees. £14m is not a lot of money nowadays, and the mere fact that people will get worked up about how much money a football club spends is amusing.
It’s not your money, don’t worry.
Enner Valencia is also the replacement that we need for Steven Naismith, a player who has drawn exceedingly similar comparisons to the Ecuadorian. They were/are both tremendous impact players and while Naismith had more time to grow into the role, Enner is getting there. It was a colossal mistake to sell Steven Naismith, who remained unreplaced up until the summer window, while Arouna Koné and Gerard Deulofeu remained on the wage books and offered nothing time and time again.
Enner Valencia occupies the role and space in behind Romelu Lukaku or sitting beside him on the right-hand side, much like the Scotsman did during his time at Goodison. And Naismith grew to be a fan favourite, and certainly my favourite Everton player of recent times.
This was due to exhausting hard work (Similar to what we see Gana going through now, and giving 100% for the shirt is always enticing to the Gwladys) and Naismith’s incredible tenacity in the big games, most apparent during his swansong against Chelsea where he netted a hat-trick and the dominating performance against Arsenal in the 13/14 season.
Enner Valencia hasn’t quite had those games just yet, but he was certainly phenomenal against Arsenal earlier this year. He can become a staple in Koeman’s first team setup, if he isn’t already, during and beyond this season.
Arguing this point would have been met with copious amounts of scepticism and quite honestly insults earlier this season, but I truly believe that Valencia can make an impact beyond this season and that we have to give serious consideration to signing the man in the summer, given new amounts of wealth and the ever-decreasing value of what £14m truly is.
If we’re going to be in Europe, which is certain barring a proper, true to roots Everton calamity, we’re going to need a deep squad. With youngsters coming through the ranks, we should be ok but we will still need some experienced quality and Enner Valencia has shown he can provide. A front three – albeit optimistic – of Lukaku, Dom Calvert-Lewin and Enner Valencia as our striking options is a pleasing thought. For me at least.
