Arouna Kone Can Fire Toffees To Successful 2015

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Arouna Kone has the potential to give Everton a real boost this year as the striker continues his positive return from a lengthy injury lay-off.

Having made his return for the Premier League outfit before the Christmas, the 31-year-old Ivorian has given Roberto Martinez another solid option up front, and could well make the difference between The Blues having having a mediocre season or a fantastically memorable one.

Returning during their match against Kuban Krasnodar in the Europa League a few months ago, the former Levante FC striker has yet to have a big impact since, but it’s hoped he will recapture the form that made him such a sought-after target all those months ago.

Since he’s come back into the fold, he has only featured in three of their matches – scoring on his full Premier League début against Newcastle United as they fell to a disappointing 3-2 defeat back in December. But with Samuel Eto’o a January transfer window target for a number of Serie A clubs in Italy, there could be a few extra opportunities for him to shine in the next few weeks.

If the Cameroonian decides to move on, Kone might just snatch his opportunity with glee.

In total, the veteran striker has only featured eight times for the Merseyside club since joining back in 2013 from Wigan Athletic, but an extended run with the club could be within his sights.

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Kone has been known to reach double figures with his goal tally for a number of his previous employers, and despite his age, should be well-suited to doing likewise for The Toffees.

According to the club’s official website, Kone is confident that he can make the most of his second stint.

"“It is a big relief for me to be back. It has been 13 months that I was out. I am now getting great pleasure out of playing again. I feel that it is a second chance for me. Every second I spend on the training pitch is a moment of joy.”"

For Levante, he grabbed 17 strikes in one La Liga campaign, while for Wigan he netted 13 times in the Premier League. If he can harness some of that clinical finishing, he could prove to be worth a little bit of coaxing and mentoring as he continues to make a gradual return to his usual self.

And he was clearly confident that they could snatch all three points this coming weekend against West Bromwich Albion.

"“Of course, it is a very important game. We will go out there with every intention of taking the three points. As a team we have all the qualities. We will have chances in the game and the important thing is to take chances when they come.”"

No doubt, fans of The Toffees would be happy to see Romelu Lukaku continue his dominance up front and would be upset should he be forced to stop playing due to injury or fatigue.

The Belgium international has been playing a blinder since the turn of the New Year. Nevertheless, if this season has taught The “School Of Science” anything so far it’s that they need to have as many of their players fit and ready to jump into the fray when needed.

Injuries have shaken them at times, and Kone would be an excellent asset to have if anything were to happen to Lukaku. Possessing a similar style of play to Lukaku, he’s quite an ideal back-up striker in all honesty.

And with a league clash against West Brom coming up this Monday, Kone should feature at some point, especially with so many Toffees stars currently spending time on the treatment table.

Do you think Kone will feature more in 2015?

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