It took 15 minutes last night for Samuel Eto’o to make Roberto Martinez a genius. In those 15 minutes Eto’o proved to everyone he still had something left for top-level football as he helped Everton secure a 4-1 over Wolfsburg in the Europa League. Eto’o, who had already scored on his Premier League debut against Chelsea, showed why he is epitome of a reserve striker. He showed pace and toughness for his brief time on the pitch and helped to expose a weakened German side.
Before Eto’o’s arrival Wolfsburg were in the ascendancy. The Germans had troubled the Everton goal, forcing Tim Howard into a several particularly fine saves, and had the run of the game. Eto’o’s introduction gave Everton a striker that could hold the ball up and bring the midfield into the game. Romelu Lukaku had clearly tired and had regressed to the lonely lad chasing the football around all day.
Eto’s presence was felt immediately. His first act was to turn and spring a spry Steven Naismith on the counter attack. He followed that up by several instances of taking players on and easing the pressure on Everton’s defence.
Last month against Chelsea he also showed his class through his effort. Even with Chelsea counter punching after each Everton goal, the Cameroon international kept pushing on. He had no problem giving his full effort even when the game was finally out of reach with Chelsea’s sixth goal. That is a mentality that Everton has been missing.
Too often the Everton team folds in a critical match because they do not have the experience or knowledge of how to win the big one. Now maybe that is a byproduct of David Moyes’ tactics, but it is still something that needs to be fixed. Eto’o has already provided a spark and as the season continues he will be an important part of Roberto Martinez’s strategy.
Source: Metro UK
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