Former Everton striker, Enner Valencia scored both goals in the opening game of this year’s World Cup, putting the hosts, Qatar to the sword with goals early on. He could and probably should have had a hat trick if it weren’t for a controversial offside call.
Valencia started his Premier League career with West Ham United in 2014 after signing from Mexican side, Pachuca where he scored 18 goals in 25 games as a 24-year-old.
He would have quite a successful spell with West Ham, scoring 10 goals at the London-based side, mostly being played as an impact substitute by Slaven Bilic.
The Ecuadorian striker would move to Everton under then-manager Ronald Koeman as one of his first signings since joining the toffees. It was widely believed that he would play a backup role to Romelu Lukaku after the departure of Gerard Deulofeu to AC Milan and Oumar Niasse to Hull City on loan deals.
His move to Goodison Park would go slightly under the radar, however, with Yannick Bolasie joining from Crystal Palace, Ashley Williams joining from Swansea City and Idrissa Gana Gueye arriving from Aston Villa in the same window.
Valencia only ended up playing 23 times for Everton, starting only 8 in that time. He did, however, score 3 goals and grab himself an assist in this period.
Since then, he has moved back to Mexico with Tigres and most recently joined Turkish league leaders, Fenerbahce where he currently has an astounding 13 goals in 12 games. His form at club level left no one in doubt that he would be called up by his national side for the World Cup.
Ecuador would have to face hosts, Qatar in their first match. Despite the pressure going into the fixture, nerves would be settled just 3 minutes in, with Valencia heading home from close range. A questionable offside call from VAR would rule the goal out shortly after, however.
The 33-year-old would eventually get his goal, slotting from the penalty spot after being fouled when rounding the keeper.
15 minutes later, he would grab his 2nd of the game, placing a header perfectly in the bottom corner after an Angelo Preciado cross.
Valencia would be substituted with 13 minutes to play after struggling with an injury picked up earlier in the game, but 3 points were already as good as sealed for Ecuador.
These two goals could put Valencia firmly in the Golden Boot race for this year’s World Cup, but more importantly, they have helped his side to an important 3 points in their quest to escape their touch group, with the Netherlands to play next.
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