The Ecuadorian has struggled since moving to Everton from West Ham United.
With only one win in their previous 11 matches, Everton manager Ronald Koeman sought to freshen things up against Arsenal on Tuesday.
Phil Jagielka, Aaron Lennon, Ross Barkley and Enner Valencia were each restored to the Toffees’ starting lineup – the latter doing so for only the fourth time since arriving from West Ham United on loan in August – and the changes paid off as the hosts overturned a 1-0 deficit to win 2-1.
Valencia has not had an easy time in English football, having struggled to tie down a regular spot for the Hammers and been vilified by some in his early Everton career.
Yannick Bolasie’s absence has given the Ecuadorian a chance to redeem himself however, and though his Arsenal contribution may not have been obvious to outsiders, his inclusion was certainly vindicated in the eyes of many Toffees’ supporters.
And if Valencia can replicate Tuesday’s performance in next week’s derby against Liverpool, he’ll be an Everton hero almost overnight.
Here’s what has been said on Twitter regarding the 27-year-old:
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