Argentine striker Denis Stracqualursi has shown encouraging signs of progress in recent months at Goodison. Can he emulate Duncan Ferguson?
The performances of Everton’s most unlikely star in recent weeks come with ‘cult hero’ emblazoned all over them.
The club were forced to endure a miserable summer last season, watching neighbours Liverpool spend millions of pounds, Everton struggled even to clinch a free signing.
Until transfer deadline day at the end of August, when David Moyes pulled a rabbit of a hat, in the season long loan of Denis Stracqualursi.
Only aficionados of the Argentinian League were familiar with the name, and were quick to reassure those more unfamiliar that he indeed had pedigree, netting a hat-trick against Boca Juniors, one of the few Argentinian clubs in this country which is a household name.
Still, his biggest impact in the first part of the season was on Paul Merson, who attempted and failed miserably to pronounce the name of the foreign import on Soccer Saturday.
In recent weeks, his adaption to English football has grown, finally given opportunities to flourish by Moyes.
Only 24, he has a good chance to make a name for himself in the Premier League, a style of football which suits his six foot three build.
It is in two high-profile Everton performances against Manchester City and Chelsea which he has given the most encouragement.
He was applauded off the pitch against City, having a header cleared off the line early in the first half, and bagged his first Premier League goal in last weekend’s home win against Chelsea.
It is early days for the crowning of a new king just yet, but the signs are there that he is ready to flourish.
His strength in the air and handling of the physical side of the game brings comparison to the one of the most popular Everton strikers in recent generations, Duncan Ferguson.
The Scot scored 60 goals for the club in two spells, which included winning the 1995 FA Cup.
For Everton fans who grew up watching showreels and video clips of dominating striker Dixie Dean, pictured on the mural, one of the best headers of the ball in history, Stracqualursi is at a club where supporters appreciate the assets he brings to the club.
Phil Neville agrees, telling The Sun today that Stracqualursi is really beginning to show his impact.
“”He is a throwback to the good old days of a centre-forward going out there and just eating centre-halves, it reminds me of when I used to go and watch Bury.
“You speak to the gaffer and he’s played 20 or so years ago and he’ll tell you that’s what centre-forwards used to do. It was dog eat dog. Denis just runs and runs.”
With Everton continuing their FA Cup run at home to Blackpool this weekend, the striker will be keen to write his own name in the club’s history.
He is just starting his Everton career, and has to convince the club to sign him permanently from his Argentinian side Tigre, but if he continues the impressive form he has shown in recent weeks, that will look after itself.
Are you impressed by Stracqualursi so far?
image: © zawtowers
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