Anichebe: Jelavic has boosted Everton but it’s still a team effort

Victor Anichebe has told talkSPORT that Nikica Jelavic’s arrival at Everton has finally given them the natural goalscorer they have craved for several years.

The Croatian hotshot hit nine goals in 13 league appearances after his £7million move from Rangers and Anichebe, 24, feels his arrival was a boost to the Toffees’ fortunes, and his own.

But he has also pointed out that signing Darron Gibson and Steven Pienaar was integral to their good run of form towards the end of last season, which saw them finish the campaign in 7th, ahead of rivals Liverpool.

And this has led the powerful Nigeria international to conclude that the work ethic of his team-mates is more important than one player's abilities in front of goal.

“[Signing Nikica Jelavic] gave us a big lift and it gave me a big lift, said Anichebe. “When Nikica came in I scored a few goals towards the end of the season and he scored a lot of goals.

“It was nice to see someone come in and take that burden on and score all those goals for us. And it wasn’t just the goals, he worked really hard for us.

“There were a few people that came in to help the team it wasn’t just Nikica on his own. Without the other players he wouldn’t even get the chances that he had, it’s a whole team effort.

“Everton is team where we all work together and we try and get the best out of everyone.”