Samuel Eto'o 'still has the hunger' at Everton

Eto'o came to Everton on a free transfer after scoring nine goals for Chelsea in the Premier League last season (Press Association Images)

Everton manager Roberto Martinez was not sure what frame of mind the 33-year-old much-travelled striker Samuel Eto’o was in before he signed him this summer. So he did the sensible thing.

“I wanted to meet Samuel, sit down and speak about football and where he was,” said Martinez. “It took me two minutes to understand that he was hungry. Once I’d looked into his eyes and he’d made it clear what he wanted, I was delighted that he chose Everton. He had other options, here and abroad.

“A free transfer and a player who scored nine goals in the Premier League [last season]. It was no gamble [for us]... just that experience, to have him in the dressing room, and the value that the younger players are going to get from that; you can’t put a price on that, and his attitude and temperament have been a real lesson.

“He is a leader. He has that real knowhow, knowing he can control the moment on the pitch, which is very difficult to teach players. He is still a player with a whole lot to offer; he always makes the right call on the pitch. And he scored on his debut [against Chelsea].”

Today he will be hoping to add to that contribution.