AliousEverton Football Club has a rich history of talented forwards who have graced their frontline over the decades.
From the likes of Gary Lineker in the 1980s to Romelu Lukaku in more recent times, the Toffees have often boasted exceptional players wearing the number nine shirt. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the current standout striker, has shown flashes of brilliance, though consistency remains an elusive quality for him.
In a recent interview with Goal, Everton’s Ashley Young, a seasoned full-back with a wealth of experience, was posed an intriguing question: who is the best finisher he has witnessed during his time associated with the club? Young, who has previously spoken highly of current Everton forward Beto, surprised some by reaching into the club’s past for his answer.
Rather than naming modern stars like Lukaku or Richarlison, Young singled out Andy Johnson as the finest finisher he’d seen at Goodison Park.
Young’s career has seen him compete against a host of Everton’s top strikers, but he remains steadfast in his view that Johnson, who departed Everton for Fulham in a £10m deal years ago, stands above the rest in terms of finishing prowess.
When directly asked, “Who’s the best finisher you’ve ever seen at Everton?” Young didn’t hesitate, responding simply, “Andy Johnson.”
Johnson’s name might not immediately spring to mind when fans recall Everton’s most legendary forwards. More often associated with his spells at Crystal Palace and Fulham, his time at Everton tends to fly under the radar.
Yet, as Young attests, Johnson possessed a sharp eye for goal. His stats with the Toffees—22 goals and 8 assists in 74 appearances—may not scream prolific, but they reflect a dependable striker who made the most of his opportunities.
Curiously, Johnson’s record against Young himself wasn’t particularly standout. The two clashed 12 times on the pitch, with Johnson finding the net in just three of those encounters.
His strength lay in his clinical nature—when presented with a chance, he could pick his spot with precision.
However, Johnson wasn’t the type to consistently carve out opportunities on his own or outmuscle defenders, which perhaps explains why his overall goal haul at Everton didn’t fully match his reputation as a finisher.
Young’s choice offers a fresh perspective on a player whose contributions to Everton may have been underappreciated, shining a light on a striker whose skill in front of goal left a lasting impression.
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