David Moyes hails Yakubu's ability in front of goal for Everton

May 12 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

Yakubu

YAKUBU earned the plaudits of his manager David Moyes after breaking through the 20-goal barrier.

The Nigerian striker netted twice as Everton beat Newcastle United 3-1 at Goodison to secure fifth place and UEFA Cup qualification on the final day of the season.

Yakubu’s brace means he ends his debut campaign at the club with 21 goals and becomes the first Everton player since Peter Beardsley in 1992 to reach the 20-goal mark.

And of the £11.25million record signing, Moyes said: “Yakubu has shown what he is worth. He has had his dips, but what striker doesn’t throughout a season?

“He’s scored 21 goals and only one of those was a penalty kick, which is an incredible total.

“How important were those goals for us? It may have been the difference between finishing where we did or elsewhere.”

Everton’s other goal was scored by Joleon Lescott, ensuring the defender reached the 10-goal target set by Moyes earlier in the campaign.

“Joleon has got that target, so I’m going to have to start setting bigger targets or asking him to score goals in a better style!” said Moyes. “But he’s had an outstanding season as a centre-back or a left-back. Maybe he might never have a season like this in terms of scoring goals. His goals have won us games during the course of the season.

“Centre-backs should always be getting on the end of things at set-pieces, and Joleon deserves it. He’s worked really hard at his game.”

Moyes also had words of praise for Manuel Fernandes, who was the provider for two goals on his last appearance before his loan deal from Valencia expires.

“Fernandes has been much improved, he passed the ball well at Arsenal and did the same again today,” said the Everton manager. “Like last year, he’s got better as time has gone on. We’re going to assess his situation in the next week or so. I have got a few ideas which I’m thinking about.”

Meanwhile Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan declared he was “happy” with the club statement that followed his meeting in London on Friday with owner Mike Ashley. He said: “A lot has been talked about over that, but I am more than happy with what has been said. Today is all about Everton. They are an inspiration to everyone. They do not have a massive squad, but they invested well last summer and they have taken fifth spot, which is a terrific situation to be in.

“They are together as a team, they play for each other. And they have a lot of very, very good players.

“They are the ones to look at. Maybe I wasn’t quite right when I said that the top four is always the same, but nearly. But it must be said that if they (Everton) can do what they have done, why can’t we?

“They are where we want to be. And in David Moyes they have an excellent manager.

“I was talking to (Everton owner) Bill Kenwright as we walked back down the tunnel after the game and he was obviously very proud. But I told him that we are after his club’s position next season.”