Season 2011-12 Fan Articles
Cheer up, Anichebe
By Ben Patchesa :: 09/04/2012
30 Comments (»Last)
(To the tune of 'Daydream Believer')
What's eating Victor Anichebe? Looking at the misery on his face following his last couple of goals you'd think he'd put through his own net rather than helping us to important wins. When the Stracq scored his first goal for the Blues he was in tears from joy; following his deflected strike against the Black Cats today it looked like the teammates who mobbed Big Vic were consoling, rather than congratulating him.
To me it seems clear; he does not feel appreciated and rated by Moyes.
Given limited chances, often in his less favoured position wide on the right, does he have a case? When Beckford, Yakubu, Vaughan and later Saha departed, he must have thought he first team opportunities had significantly improved. But no. First Velios, then Stracqualursi and now Jelavic have moved in front of him. Does Moyes dislike him, or does he give the manager very little reason to include him in the squad, let alone the team, during training, either through his effort, attitude or ability?
Some facts, for what they're worth: Big Vic is our top league scorer. His minutes per goal ratio is the third best in the league: one every 82 minutes on the pitch (imscouting.com - incidently, Vellios is fourth and Jelavic seventh on this list). He has scored different types of goals, some of them more than decent: poaching one at West Brom, running onto a Donovan through-ball against Villa, the early strike in the return match against the Baggies.
Yet he has spent the equivalent of only four and a half matches on the pitch. When handed a start in the Anfield Derby he was abject: disinterested, immobile and frequently horizontal.
Will the real Victor Anichebe please stand (and remaining standing) up?
Is he now truly developing into a top quality striker, or is he still a moaning, injury blighted could-have-been, prone to Heskey-esque tumbles and the-world-is-against-me arm-waving?
Where is his career going? No longer a promising youth player - we've got plenty more of those close to banging on the door to the first team - he's 24 in a couple of weeks.
Will Victor be allowed to drift away from Goodison like a Dan Gosling or Joseph Yobo without us gaining any financial recompense? Will he haunt us with goalscoring feats of Yakubu proportions, or will we cash in for £1-2 million, off-loading an injury prone squad player, to be left rubbing our hands and counting the cash as he makes no impact whatsoever at a new club (cf McFadden to Brum, Vaughan to Norwich)?
His issue may be, as evidenced again by his lack of celebration today, with the club's management for not selecting him more regularly, but to me it seems like it's Anichebe versus Anichebe. And in that battle there can be no Victor.
The current run is great, the win against Sunderland terrific, the prospect of dismantling Liverpool at Wembley tantalisingly possible, but we're kidding ourselves if we think this is sustainable in the longer term with only one striker. Jelavic is fantastic, but he will get tired / injured / lose form at some point in the future. I doubt Stracqualursi will become a permanent addition to the squad - and with one league goal in 685 league minutes, how badly do we want him, despite his superb workrate? (imscouting.com).
With funds likely to be as tight as ever, we'll need more striking options from somewhere. Velios, McEleny, Joao Silva and other youngsters may burst through, but I'm not holding my breath.
Big Vic once replied to me on Facebook when I asked him how pre-season training was going, 5 or 6 years back. His message was enthusiastic and upbeat - he was clearly loving his football. Ironically, now that he looks like he is playing at gunpoint, he is showing signs of real goalscoring form. He is unlikely ever to have the all-round link- up play of Jelavic, but if he can keep the goalscoring going, he could still (and yes, I know how long we've been saying this) become a real asset.
The stage is set. Extra-time at Wembley. Big Vic is introduced as a substitute. He looks around at the 90,000 crowd, hears the supportive roars of the assembled blue throng, realises he is a highly paid footballer living the dreams of the lesser mortals raining cheers down upon him and has an epiphany. A huge grin spreads across his face. He sprints on and buries the winner past the hapless Reds' reserve keeper, celebrates like a maniac...and goes on to become an Everton legend of the most satisfying kind: the homegrown talent.
I'd settle for a stray dog knocking in the winning penalty in a shoot-out, to be honest, but two things are for sure: One, Victor Anichebe is starting to score like a real striker. Two, he is not celebrating scoring like one.
You need your fans, and, more importantly, your manager on your side, Victor, to get the chances it seems you feel you deserve. Attitude isn't everything, but looking at Moyes's 'favourites' - Hibbert, Neville, Osman, Cahill, Jagielka, Pienaar - it's a hell of lot. Recognise that, and you can move on further.
Win the FA Cup, boys.
Reader Comments (30)
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2 Posted 10/04/2012 at 06:23:34
I remember him coming on at against Arsenal a few seasons back, score was 0-0, he was on for about 5 minutes, battering their defense, causing havoc, Andy Johnson fired in what proved to be the winner. I thought that his presence distracted the defense and really created the chance.
Past couple of seasons he seems to have lacked the raw energy and hustle, but seems to have got his mojo back with some goals too.
3 Posted 10/04/2012 at 06:54:48
Well not just in that one match, that's how I remember him for the last couple of seasons.
4 Posted 10/04/2012 at 07:19:32
http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/120409/anichebe-warns-liverpool-everton-are-rise-169266
5 Posted 10/04/2012 at 07:34:35
He still offers much, and I feel that he will be on the bench Saturday, and who knows, coming on might just tip the scales in our favour.
And as Jim Harrison has already mentioned, he can upset defenders, with his strength, and sheer aggression. Let's hope so.
6 Posted 10/04/2012 at 07:43:16
I don't think Moyes is his problem at all. In fact it was David Moyes who came out a fortnight ago and said the fans need to show him more love.
When he came off the bench the other week (before scoring) he was audibly booed at Goodison. It's hardly surprising he doesn't fancy diving into the crowd to celebrate!
7 Posted 10/04/2012 at 08:19:08
Or maybe he's Tony Marsh's long lost son.
8 Posted 10/04/2012 at 08:31:40
My view of Anichebe is that when he's been given the lone striker role in the past he's not been able to handle it and spends too much time on his arse.
He's got some assets to his game - he's strong, full of aggressive purpose and when he's up for it he's a handful for a centre half. However, it depends which Vic turns up.
Booing your own players is pitiful behaviour though.
9 Posted 10/04/2012 at 08:35:29
There's a cracking footballer in there somewhere. If we can find him, he will be a great asset.
If we can't find him then I think we can certainly expect circa £3M for him
And it'd be great if ppl SUPPORTED Victor - I wouldn't be surprised if his lack of goal celebrations were a big fcuk you to the crowd that keep getting on his back
10 Posted 10/04/2012 at 08:49:08
He came onto the scene around the same time as Vaughan. Both different players, both interrupted with a series of injuries - Vaughan more so.
Vic is prone to a bit of the titty lip. There was the contract stand off, which he eventually signed, but ultimately I don't think he's good enough for us. The financial situation and various injury crises (of which he was often part) have given him more opportunities than he should have had.
It's sad for him - his development was hindered due to injury. But he's earning £30k a week. This is what pisses people off. These young players now are driving Baby Bentleys and living the high life before they've even proven it. I bet he's never cleaned his own boots, let alone anyone elses!
If he's fit now and given a chance, then he should at least look like he's trying. Maybe that will get the crowd off his back, though I suspect for many even if he scored a hat-trick at the weekend it wouldn't be enough.
11 Posted 10/04/2012 at 08:56:37
12 Posted 10/04/2012 at 08:59:24
BTW, just a random thought: strange how things develop. Who would have thought about seven years ago that come 2012 Anichebe would have played more games and scored more goals in the Premier League compared to James Vaughan?
13 Posted 10/04/2012 at 09:02:06
Even now when one would expect Anichebe to be our second choice striker he seems to have been ousted by a loan player who, although of limited technical ability, shows the determination to prove himself a handful to the opposition. Moyes even seems to push Cahill or Fellaini up front sometimes rather than use Anichebe.
It does seem doubtful to me that he will establish himself at this level & arguably he should have already done so by his age. Unless he has a really big season coming up, which would be a most pleasant surprise, then I suspect his future lies elsewhere.
14 Posted 10/04/2012 at 08:49:55
If he had only half of the Straq's attitude he would be twice the player and the crowd would love him.
Over to you Vic... there is a player in there, you don't fluke ALL those different types of goals...prove us wrong.
15 Posted 10/04/2012 at 10:17:53
We would have certainly sold him a year ago had we more options up front and for that reason alone Moyes held onto him. Too big to play in midfield and not prolific enough to cut it up-front. He is a Championship or lower Premier League player at best.
16 Posted 10/04/2012 at 11:57:20
17 Posted 10/04/2012 at 12:20:06
If
If anyone needed some PR tips...
18 Posted 10/04/2012 at 14:22:48
He might feel a bit hard done by, but if that is making him take his frustrations out on the opposition then so be it. I think Moyesie has given him more than enough chances in the past, and is playing him right at the moment.
19 Posted 10/04/2012 at 14:38:11
COYB
20 Posted 10/04/2012 at 15:54:08
Fully fit and flying he would be more than a handful in the championship, he would be dangerous and net plenty. If your a championship team, got a striker problem and want to get up the league, he's your man. Just depends on the injuries.
He could be a Jason Roberts type.
Wow!!
21 Posted 10/04/2012 at 20:17:58
22 Posted 10/04/2012 at 21:00:02
Tell the truth this is all because Vic didn't like you poking him on Facebook. As long as he keeps scoring he could blow his nose on the club badge for all I care.
23 Posted 10/04/2012 at 22:55:55
Turning down a contract offer won't have helped either when a lot of people already thought he was stealing a living so for him now to be on £30,000 a week beggars belief.
Sooner or later he will end up in the lower leagues and still not produce.
24 Posted 10/04/2012 at 23:14:09
25 Posted 10/04/2012 at 23:28:53
genius
but agree with David at the top
26 Posted 11/04/2012 at 11:32:16
Yes, he's got some pace and strength, and he can finish pretty well. But in terms of overall contribution he's a very poor-man's Yakubu, and with a much worse attitude.
Hopefully we can get some Championship side to take him off our hands in the summer. He might even do well at that level given his skills - give him a few years of playing regularly and scoring goals in the Championship and I could see him maturing enough to become an ok plyaer for a lower-table side in the Premier League. But I don't see any reason for us to be that patient with him. Get rid.
27 Posted 11/04/2012 at 11:49:05
28 Posted 11/04/2012 at 18:47:50
He has repeatedly said he doesn't want that tag, and looking at the posts here that has been reinforced with many saying that he's an impact player that has an effect coming off the bench. I'm not saying I disagree, but it all neatly falls into what he is trying to get away from.
I've also felt that when he has started games he has seemed to have little impact.
So, I guess it's down to him to make more of an impression when he gets a chance from the beginning, or if not, keep getting the goals as the supersub until DM decides to put him in from the start and then give him a reason not to put him back on the bench!
29 Posted 12/04/2012 at 00:42:25
Victor Anichebe has, through no fault of his own, played in many positions and at different times in games that were of different importance to EFC. He has rarely had a full game and even less often has he been asked to play the same position in a team that retained its shape.
He has had injuries and he has been away for the African Cup of Nations. Nobody posting here has the faintest idea about how fit he has been and the job he has been asked to do in individual games.
I neither champion nor pillory Victor; he hasn?t had a good run in the side, much less a position. In saying that, I don?t judge the team selection either, the manager has to to do what he must and if giving younger players extended runs to see what they can do risks poorer results then he has to be the judge. Any reader of this site who posits that there is ever a time to give youth its head without concern for results must surely be an occasional visitor.
We would all see the true worth of Victor in a settled side in which he has a designated role. That isn?t going to happen for him at Everton. If I were him, I?d want to move to find out how good I might be. The fact that he doesn?t agitate for that might impute positives or negatives but, personally, I?d sooner have him on the books than not.
30 Posted 13/04/2012 at 22:44:05
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1 Posted 10/04/2012 at 06:24:09
To be honest, it would have been a little ridiculous if he would have peeled away in delight after that goal today. I don't think he has any issue with Moyes, as the guy plays him quite often when healthy, despite all the protests on ToffeeWeb. The fact is, and Anichebe just gave an interview stating this, he hasn't been able to stay healthy. That's pretty much it, he's been injured a ton.