Bilic on Jelavic

Former Blue and current Croatia boss talks about new striker.

Nikica Jelavic's deadline day move to Everton would certainly have interested Slaven Bilic more than most. Bilic is, of course, a former Blues player and now manages Jelavic as head coach of the Croatian national team. He took time out to speak to evertonfc.com about the Club's new striker and his feelings about the transfer. 

You must have been very interested to hear that one of your players was joining your old club…

I was happy and delighted for both the club and the player. With the greatest of respects to Rangers, he is at that stage of his career when a move would be good for him and also the national team. I am also delighted for Everton Football Club, they were my team and I’m sure that the fans are going to be very happy with him.

Did Nikica seek your advice about joining Everton?

Not so much about Everton as it all happened very quickly in the end, but we did talk about the Premier League quite often. We would speak about Rangers but in Scotland there are only really two options whereas in England there are a few clubs, five or so big clubs that everybody knows about and are aware of and everyone knows Everton.

What can Everton fans expect from him?

He’s a forward-thinking player, a proper number nine, a centre forward. His game is not all in the box though, he can run the channels, go box to box and play with his back towards goal. He can hold the ball, pass the ball and is a very good finisher, on the ground but especially in the air. He is very brave and also very good with the defensive aspects of the game. He will track back on opponents and never give up, so I am sure the fans are going to love him.

By the way you describe him, he sounds as if he will fit into David Moyes’ preferred system quite nicely…

I’m sure that he would do well in any side in the Premier League as he is a very good player. Everton in particular, especially the way they play, he will profit. He will score some goals and also create for others. I think that he is perfect for Everton; his style of play will be beneficial for the club, short and long term.

Away from the pitch what sort of character is he?

It sounds like I am only saying positive things about him, but he is a dream to manage. He is the sort of guy every manager would like. He is never late, he never causes problems, he is an honest lad. He is not just a good player but a great guy, very popular and friends with everyone in the dressing room.

How do you think he will handle the step up from the SPL to the Premier League and the better defenders he will be facing?

I agree that the defenders will be better but his teammates will also be better, as will the service he will get. I have no doubt that he will succeed. If you look at his record you will see he has scored goals against all types of teams and was scoring goals in the European leagues before he even came to Rangers. He was also scoring against big teams in the Europa League, I remember him playing well and scoring against Aston Villa for Rapid Vienna. 

He has improved a lot and like every striker needs a bit of luck and belief to score in the first few games. The good thing about him is that even if he is going through a lean period, his game is about more than just goals, he can play well without scoring.

And with Euro 2012 on the horizon he has plenty of incentive to perform well…

Of course and that is why I am delighted with the move for him. I have good options attacking-wise, he is one of my choices but I have five strikers, sometimes he starts and sometimes he is on the bench, but he is a really important player for us that I’m sure will improve with Everton. If you are playing for a club like Everton, winning championships then it will improve your chances.

Did David Moyes ask you about Jelavic directly?

I talked to David Moyes a few years ago when Jelavic was at Rapid Vienna, we spoke, and he also asked about him around the time we were at the World Cup in South Africa. David Moyes is well known and goes through the correct channels when enquiring about players which is how it should be. Without naming names people from the club did ask me about Jelavic and I told them what I have told you – that he is a good lad and very good player.