Nikica Jelavic could prove vital if Everton are to maintain a push on the Premier League elite.
Another disappointing transfer window has passed and Everton are yet again in a position where they have managed to fail in strengthening when they are at the peak of their powers. Under Moyes’ 10 year tenure at the club, several perfect scenarios have arisen, whereby 1 or 2 key additions would bring a new lease of life to the club and help Evertonpush on, yet these opportunities seem to continuously pass them by, and Moyes it seems continues to squeeze every last ounce out of a stale squad gasping for new faces.
A look back to January 2012, and one man in particular, is enough evidence to suggest what new signings can offer. Nikica Jelavic, arrived, then left, then re-arrived at Goodison Park on transfer deadline day, brimming with confidence and ready to go. After scoring a quite brilliant goal on his first start for Everton, he kicked on to unimaginable levels, finishing as the clubs top goalscorer after only half a season with the Blues and scoring almost a goal a game. This season however, has seen the Everton hitman net a less than impressive 6 league goals in 22 starts, and put in some below par performances – the kind of form which has shown Everton to lack a cutting edge in front of goal. The inability to kill teams off through chances missed, or not enough clear cut chances created (midfield partly to blame) has led to a lot of draws this campaign, 12 in all, and important points dropped. The back end of last season saw Everton looking dangerous, and capable of scoring on almost every attack, with some neat interplay and a clinical striker to finish off the good work, as proved by the 4 goals at Old Trafford, the 4 vs. Fulham, 4 vs. Sunderland and 3 on the last day of the season against a Newcastle side who were still dreaming of Champions League football.
While Big Vic continues to silence his doubters
In recent weeks, Moyes has dropped Jelavic to the bench, in the hope of revitalising the striker and forcing some important goals out of him in the second half of the season run in, and has instead opted to start with the powerful Victor Anichebe as a lone striker, who has in turn impressed. But even though Anichebe has arguably been Everton’s best player in recent weeks, there is something about him that suggests he never has nor will have what last seasons Nikica Jelavic had in his locker. And its last season’s Nikica Jelavic thatEverton are so desperate for at the moment.