Is Beckford good enough for the Premier League?

Is Beckford Good Enough?

Last week Leeds United cancelled the contract of top scorer Jermaine Beckford. Now for most players in the lower leagues having their contract cancelled means they have to frantically search to find a new club.

Rewarded

However Jermaine Beckford’s contract was cancelled so he could discuss a move to Premier League side Everton. This big move was reward for firing Leeds back into the second tier of English football. Beckford scored 25 leagues goals in League One last season and also scored high profile goals at Manchester United and Tottenham in the FA Cup.

His record of 81 goals in 126 appearances for the Whites is impressive, even if it was in League One. His form towards the end of the season dipped but he still managed to score the goal that clinched promotion against Bristol Rovers.

Speculation

There was speculation over Beckford’s future in January after he scored the winner against Manchester United in the cup in January. Everton and Newcastle were both heavily linked with the player and Beckford handed in a transfer request.

Nothing came of the believed interest and Beckford decided to stay and help the club in their promotion push. He always seemed committed even though he knew that he wouldn’t be at the club when his contract expired in the summer.

Attitude

At 26 Beckford is not young and his rise from non-league Wealdstone has been gradual. A problem he has had in the past was his general attitude. He started out in the Chelsea youth team but was released because of question marks over his temperament.

With age he seems to have matured and has knuckled down at Leeds and his reward is a chance to play in the Premier League. It remains to be seen if he can cut it in the English top flight but one thing’s for sure he will be trying his hardest to be a success.

Competition

Beckford faces a big fight for a first team place at Goodison next season. Nigerian striker Yakubu and last season’s top scorer Louis Saha are currently the two first choice strikers. Then there is youngsters James Vaughan and Victor Anichebe pushing the two more experienced stars.

However Beckford could get his chance due to the other strikers being very injury-prone. Yakubu and Anichebe both spent nearly a year out of action injured last season. Saha has always been very injury-prone and struggles to stay fit.

Vaughan is another player who has had awful luck in the injury department. The youngster still remains the youngest ever Premier League scorer and has so much potential. Unfortunately he hasn’t lived up to his big potential due to several long-term injuries.

Put these injuries together and it means Beckford could actually become a vital player for the Toffee’s next season. He is definitely being bought as a backup but he will be looking to prove he’s good enough to claim a regular first place.

Standard

There is no doubt that Jermaine Beckford is a top striker in the lower leagues. He has spent all his career at the lower league levels and this move will be his first chance at top flight football. It could be a jump to far for a player who hasn’t even appeared in the Championship.

Beckford has all the attributes to be a top Premier League player. His head needs to be right and he may need a stroke of luck at along the way. He also needs to hit the ground running to help his confidence, if he struggles to score in the first few months then it could see him fail at the top level.

I really don’t think he can cut it in the Premier League. I’m hoping he proves me wrong and I’m eating humble pie this time next year, after inspiring Everton to European qualification next season of course!