Everton: 3 things Salomon Rondon offers to Rafa Benitez and Everton

Salomon Rondon arrives at Everton to bolster the striking department

Massive upgrade on Moise Kean, Cenk Tosun and Joshua King

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s rise as Everton No.9 has been unprecedented. Duncan Ferguson has played a monumental part in his ascent. He is rightfully justifying why he deserves to dawn the No.9 jersey that has been worn by legends like Dixie Dean and Ferguson himself.

Sadly, the situation regarding a backup striker is not as settled as the striker’s role. Over the previous few seasons, Moise Kean, Cenk Tosun and most recently Joshua King have carried out the role of being a backup striker but when handed with opportunities, all have underwhelmed.

Kean, arrived as a budding young striker with loads of potential and talent. The Italian had to remain patient and wait for his chance. He got opportunities but the 21 year old failed to be decisive in front of goal. In his debut season, Kean scored just two goals in 33 games.

Last season when Kean left on loan, Tosun was entrusted with the role of a backup striker after he was deemed fit. He made a total of seven appearances and netted one goal. In a grander scheme of things, Tosun has never imposed himself as a prolific and dangerous striker at Everton.  11 goals in 58 games for Toffees is not a glowing endorsement of a striker’s character.

Everton signed Joshua King in January to add depth to the squad as Tosun joined Besiktas on loan. Sadly, King may have not got a proper opportunity as he never started a game for the Merseysiders.

Yet, he managed 11 substitute appearances and netted zero goals. King’s failure at Everton is not entirely his fault but the trend goes on to show how ineffective backup striker options have been for the Toffees.

Salomon Rondon arrives with a better CV. He has ample Premier League experience and is aware of Rafa Benitez’s system and philosophy. Under Rafa Benitez, the Venezuelan has played 61 games in totality (Newcastle and Dalian Pro) and notched 26 goals while also assisting 14.

Supremacy in scoring stats alone doesn’t prove why Rondon is a massive upgrade on his predecessors. It’s his all-round abilities that showcase why the 31 year old is a gladiator and extremely effective.