On transfer deadline day, West Brom smashed their transfer record to bring in Nigerian striker Victor Anichebe from Everton. Many fans have been sceptical about the signing but he should bring something different to the Baggies attack.
Albion have lacked creativity in their first three league games and only mustered up a disappointing four shots on target. While Anichebe might not be an out and out goal scorer, he is a different option for manager Steve Clarke to consider.
He is a powerful player who possesses a good touch. He has the ability to hold the ball up against some of the strongest defenders in the league and is a different outlet for the team. Like in previous games where Albion lacked ideas, the side could play in a more direct manor, to get the ball from back to front quicker. While Long, Vydra and Anelka all bring their own style, none have the same presence as Anichebe.
The more direct play would be more beneficial away from home. His close control would help bring the likes of James Morrison and Graham Dorrans into the game, who would be able to supply the killer pass for the rest of the team.
The 25 year old striker has started to improve his goal scoring record during the past few seasons. The 2012/13 season saw Anichebe hit his best single season return with six in 19 starts, just over a goal every three games. The season before saw him score five, including a goal home and away against West Brom. Anichebe has the knack of scoring against Albion, as he bagged his first ever Premier League goal against The Baggies.
Current Manchester United manager David Moyes thought highly of Anichebe during his time at Everton. The Scot has said “He’s got great strength, he’s got raw pace, and he’s a tough enough boy, I just think he needed a little bit of loving and that needed to come from the stands. There’s more to come. I think he can finish and he will score more goals.”
The Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi persuaded the forward to play for the Super Eagles and said “Anichebe is a great striker. He is young, strong and gives us several options in attack.” Whilst trying to persuade Anichebe to play, he said “I need the support of the Nigeria Football Federation to make this happen as soon as possible because we cannot afford to lose a player like Victor Anichebe.”
Anichebe is clearly highly rated by a number of managers across the world and if he continues his progress whilst at West Brom, Jeremy Peace’s money could prove to be money well spent. While he may not be the one who is firing in the goals, the rest of the squad could benefit highly, which should see Albion rise of the foot of the table, scoring plenty of goals in the process.
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