The striker joined Sunderland on a free transfer this week.
Tottenham’s Federico Fazio in action with West Brom’s Victor Anichebe
Paul Merson has told Sky Sports that he believes Sunderland loan striker Victor Anichebe is the best in the Premier League at backing into players.
The striker joined Sunderland this week after being released by West Bromwich Albion in the summer.
Anichebe has been brought to the Stadium of Light to provide added competition up front – an area heavily reliant on the performances of Jermain Defoe last season.
Some have questioned the move, however, given his less than stellar goalscoring record over the years.
West Brom’s Victor Anichebe looks dejected after missing a chance to score
Sky pundit Merson, however, believes that Anichebe could prove to be a hit, as he feels that the player is the best in the league at backing into players.
“If you can play him and Defoe – and Defoe gets the goals – that’s job done,” he told Sky Sports.
“The back four will love him because he will hold the ball up away from home. Backing in [to defenders] he’s the best in the league.”
Tottenham’s Federico Fazio in action with West Brom’s Victor Anichebe
It will interesting to see how Anichebe works out at Sunderland this season after being handed something of a lifeline by Moyes.
Anichebe spent 10 years at Everton – coming up through the youth ranks – before a move to West Brom in 2013. During his spell at West Brom he scored 6 goals in 55 Premier League appearances. The 28-year-old has also bagged 11 full caps for Nigeria, although hasn’t played for his country for 4 years as he wants to focus on his club career.
David Moyes – Everton Manager and Victor Anichebe
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