Valencia desperate for Everton goals

Enner Valencia is setting his sights on a first Everton goal on Boxing Day when they face Premier League champions Leicester, after breaking into the Toffees’ team.

The summer loan signing from West Ham has had to bide his time and work hard to impress Ronald Koeman before being able to partner Romelu Lukaku in attack.

Valencia arrived in England two years ago after an impressive World Cup, but, despite flashes of brilliance, he failed to consistently hit the mark at West Ham.

Koeman initially signed him as a backup for Lukaku but the forward has shown enough quality to earn a run in the side.

Photo by Chris Brunskill – AMA/Getty Images

And now the Ecuadorian is targeting goals after an energetic Merseyside derby display against Liverpool.

“I have waited for my chance and now I have started two games,” he said.

“The manager said to me ‘work hard in training and you will get your chance to play. I am waiting for my first goal with Everton, I hope it can come in the next game against Leicester.

“Hopefully I can play more games in this busy time over Christmas,

“I really want to be a part of the team and hopefully there will be a lot of rotation with players coming in and out. Hopefully I can play my part.”