10 goals in 8 games for ex-Everton and West Ham ace, nicknamed ‘GOAT’

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If you want an example of how competition for places can drive up the standards at a football club, look no further than Fenerbahce. Enner Valencia’s place in the starting XI looked under serious threat when the Turkish Super Lig giants brought in Belgium international Michy Batshuayi, former Serie A hotshot Joao Pedro and 2020 MLS Golden Boot winner Diego Rossi over the summer. 

But, instead of backing down, Valencia came out fighting; bearing his teeth and hitting the net at a rate never-before-seen from the one-time Everton and West Ham United forward.  

“The competition between the players pushes everyone’s performance up,” Valencia admits to Fenerbahce TV, via Sporx. “I have made the best start to the season in my career.” 

You can say that again.

With 10 in just eight league games – and 11 in all competitions – the veteran Ecuador international could equal his tally from the whole of last season before Halloween. Valencia played over 60 Premier League matches for West Ham and Everton, and didn’t even reach double figures across three seasons combined. 

Now 32, turning 33 in November, the phrase ‘ageing like a fine wine’ comes to mind.  

Enner Valencia the ‘GOAT’

“I saw the Ballon d’Or rhetoric on social media and I liked it,” Valencia smiles, having received the Craig Dawson treatment from his adoring Fenerbahce supporters.  

“I like what our fans have done on social media and I also receive messages of support constantly. I’d be happy if I could be the Golden Boot winner.  

“Everywhere, they call me ‘GOAT’ now! I’m not called by my first and last name, everyone uses this nickname. I like it too. If our fans are happy about it, I’m happy too. The love they have shown is incredible! They call me ‘Superman’ in Ecuador, they call me GOAT in Turkey.

“I like both of them.”

Enner Valencia hasn’t won a Golden Boot award since his 2014 campaign with Pachucha in Mexico’s top flight. The best-ever start to a season in Valencia’s career could also end up being his most prolific.