Everton Player Review: Nikica Jelavic

Player: Nikica Jelavic #7

Games Played: 42, Games Started: 31, Goals: 8, Assists: 3, Shots: 95, Shots on Goal: 36, Fouls Committed: 21, Fouls Suffered: 48, Yellow Cards: 4, Red Cards: 0.

Introduction

After a blistering start to his Everton career during the second half of the 2011/12 season, expectations were high for Nikica Jelavic at the start of the new campaign. Things started off ok, with five goals in his first seven games, but a mid-season drought shattered his confidence and he never really recovered.

What he did well

His rapier-like finishing was in evidence during the first half of the season, with his late winner against Tottenham in December a particular highlight. He showed that if given the service he was capable of putting the ball in the back of the net.

What he could do better

One league goal between the mid-December and the end of the season is just not good enough, with the Croatian looking the shadow of the player he was last season. I often felt sorry for him when he laboured around the pitch, snatching at chances or making aimless runs into the penalty area. The big question is whether the real Jelavic is this player or the one who was so prolific in 2012. The answer may be found in the next few months.

Voting

Using the school grading system of A, B, C, D, F, with A representing a great season, C an average season, and F a very poor season, how do you grade Nikica Jelavic on his performance this year according to the expectations you had for him?