Valerie Gauvin says linking up with Everton’s wealth of creative players has been key to her impressive goalscoring form – and explained how her exceptional heading ability is “an in-born talent”.
The French striker, signed from Montpellier this summer, has hit five goals in just eight appearances for the Blues – a record even more eye-catching when considered only three of her Everton outings have been as a starter.
The 24-year-old’s latest strike came in the Toffees’ 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
Gauvin rose high to meet Izzy Christiansen’s corner delivery and head into the top corner to put Everton 2-1 ahead midway through the second half, only for Willie Kirk’s side to be pegged back when Aileen Whelan netted a leveller for the south coast outfit.
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Gauvin’s goal was her third headed effort for Everton already this term, having previously expertly converted from Hayley Raso deliveries in the Blues’ victories over Chelsea and Aston Villa.
“My heading is not something I’ve had to work on too much,” said Gauvin, who is currently on international duty with France alongside fellow Everton player Maeva Clemaron.
“I’ve always been very, very good in the air. It is something that is kind of in-born and natural to me.
“A journalist actually said to me during the World Cup in France last year, ‘You put your head in where some people don’t want to put their feet!’.
“It’s something I enjoy and I think it is a strength of mine.
“Hopefully it will be continue to be the case and I can keep scoring for Everton.”
😵 @EvertonWomen have the lead!!@GauvinValerie gets her head to the ball first to make it 2-1#WomensFACup #EVECHE pic.twitter.com/Wd6ROHhhVz
— Vitality Women's FA Cup (@VitalityWFACup) September 27, 2020
That result against Brighton represented the first time Everton have dropped points in the WSL this season, having previously recorded four straight league wins.
The Blues have also reached for the 2020 FA Cup final, where they will face Manchester City on Sunday 1 November.
Everton have scored 19 goals during their seven league and FA Cup matches so far this term, and Gauvin says playing alongside such gifted attacking players has been instrumental in making such an excellent start to her Everton career.
“Everyone who plays in forward positions are quality players,” said Gauvin, who was one of seven signings made by boss Kirk during the summer transfer window.
“The fact we play three up front and the midfield are very attack-minded, too, it’s very, very positive.
“We have a lot of new faces but we’ve developed an understanding very, very quickly.
“As we get to know each other’s style in even more detail – the way we make runs and like to receive the ball – I think those relationships we’ll only get better.
“There is a good morale among all the players, not just the forwards, which explains why we’re doing so well.”
