If Everton’s last summer transfer window was an animal, it would have been a Drama Llama, because tensions were high, drama was in abundance, and Everton kept it quiet that a Llama had actually found its way into Finch Farm. Well not really, but it was a dramatic window.

Sissoko wouldn’t answer his phone and fortunately for us he ended up signing for Spurs, with such little time left, Everton had to go with one of their back up plans and got Enner Valencia on loan with an option to buy later.

The loan was initially greeted with despair by Everton fans, including me, after seeing the West Ham fans’ reaction to the new that Valencia was no longer in their squad. Their elation was understandable, in 72 appearances he had only scored 10 goals, the general feel around the fans was that Valencia lacked the talent required to play in the lower leagues.

This season however, Valencia has established himself as a game changer in the form of a super sub. In 19 games he has earned 3 goals, so 0.158 goals per game for us compared to 0.139 goals per game for West Ham, far from prolific. Clearly you cannot depend on him as your goal scorer, well Hibbert didn’t score many but he was a ledge, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t sign Valencia at the end of this season.

If you’ve watched Everton play then you know Valencia is a very important part of our success this season, it takes significantly more than 11 players to do well in the Premier League. ‘Squad players’ are essential to successful seasons, in Enner Valencia we have a player who is willing to wait for his chance to play, to come on and really effect games with his pace and ability to get in and around the box.

Enner one else love when Valencia comes on and causes havoc in the box?

Reports state that Everton actually agreed to a £12 million deal, not the £14.5 million figure that everyone previously believed. This is still a bloated number, but who cares? He enjoys playing for Everton, he is perfect for when we need to shake things up. Imagine being a left back who has played for 70 minutes then seeing Valencia get subbed on, fresh as a bagel, full of intent to sprint directly past you. It’s nothing short of daunting, and for that reason I hope Everton choose to keep him.

Up the Ev.