Analysing Enner Valencia’s impact substitution in Everton’s 3-0 victory over Southampton

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The only chance that most people have heard Enner Valencia’s name in the news over the last twelve months would have been after the bizarre incident which saw him being carried off in an international for Ecuador whilst being chased by local police.

This just goes to show how little an impact the Ecuadorian has had at Goodison Park since his summer move from Premier League rivals West Ham, with Valencia not finding the net once in his opening ten appearances and only creating three chances.

It seems like Valencia has finally announced his arrival at Everton though, after his game-changing performance in the 3-0 victory over Claude Puel’s Southampton on Monday.

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In a game that looked destined for a dreary stalemate with both sides showing signs of tiredness after the festive period – Southampton in particular after their third game in five days – Valencia added a spark that Everton have been looking for ever since his arrival.

Valencia took full advantage of tiring legs in the Southampton side, and used his pace to full effect in stretching their defensive line.

“It wasn’t just his goal, it was his whole performance. We needed that pace in the second half” – Ronald Koeman

His goal that opened the scoring on Monday was instinctive, gambling on Fraser Forster spilling Romelu Lukaku’s headed effort, and opening his Everton account did the 27-year-old’s confidence the world of good for the remaining 18 minutes.

Valencia was causing Southampton’s back-line problems again with his pace when he found himself in the penalty area and cleverly turned Maya Yoshida, who committed with a rash challenge and brought down the Everton striker.

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The Ecuadorian’s impact extended further than his goal and assist though, as he enabled Romelu Lukaku to have some freedom that he hasn’t had so far this season.

Valencia also cleverly made runs off of the ball into the space in the Southampton defence, giving Lukaku a forward option when the Belgian was in possession; this is something that Everton haven’t seen much since September, with Lukaku generally isolated up front and given the task of holding the ball up before spinning off to get into the box himself.

With Valencia alongside him, Lukaku had a whole new option to link up with – the duo, with their pace and power, complimented each other superbly as Everton eased past the Saints.

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Everton will hope that Valencia’s performance was more than just a one off, and that he can carry on this form into the second-half of the season when results become more critical.

With Koeman openly suggesting that he’s looking to spend money in the transfer market on attackers, Valencia is sending out the right message at the right time that he’s prepared to fight for his spot in the Dutchman’s side and lead the line alongside Lukaku.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Chrisgr22.