Alan Shearer has praised a former Everton player who “absolutely petrified” defenders.
There have been some eye-catching centre-forwards leading the line over the years at Goodison Park. Dixie Dean, Romelu Lukaku, Louis Saha, Yakubu and Wayne Rooney, to name a few.
Sean Dyche could certainly have used one of Everton’s forwards from yesteryear, considering the struggles his side has faced in front of goal this season.
Speaking on the Rest is Football Podcast, Shearer has lauded another former Everton forward, who he claims “scared” opposition defenders.
Alan Shearer wowed by former Everton striker who ‘petrified’ defenders
Of course, there’s only one man Shearer is talking about: Big Duncan Ferguson.
The Newcastle United legend was quizzed on whether he instigated the Scot’s move to St James’ Park by Gary Lineker and Micah Richards.
He said: “That wasn’t true. I didn’t get asked about him at all. Having said that, he was an unbelievable player and a great lad to have in the dressing room.
“You could see that, standing in the tunnel, the defenders were absolutely petrified of him. They were scared to even look at him at times. Honestly, he was a great lad and a brilliant player.
“He just had too many injuries; he was quick, had very good touch, was unbelievable in the air when crosses were coming into the box, and he had the fear factor. So many defenders were scared of him. He was a hard man but a really good, fair man. He got on with everyone.”
Alan Shearer isn’t the only person to praise Duncan Ferguson’s ability
Ferguson’s reputation has withstood the test of time. The fact his intimidating nature is still talked about shows just how hard it was to play against the Everton legend.
Another aspect of Ferguson’s game that was extremely impressive was his heading ability. Before Harry Kane broke the record in 2023, the Scot had the highest number of headed goals in Premier League history.
France icon Marcel Desailly has even suggested that Ferguson was the best header of a football he’s ever seen in a recent interview. Martin Keown also lauded Ferguson’s aerially ability back in 2013. He wrote in the Daily Mail: “The sheer height of the man-made him so difficult to mark. And he had a leap to go with it. He really attacked the ball with venom. It’s just a shame that his career wasn’t always smooth.”