Written by Ricky Carroll
What a season it's been for the experienced Ivory Coast bagsman Evans Kouassi! He has scored 32 goals this season. His goals were vital in firing Canvey Island to promotion.
Evans is a goalscorer. He has that gift of being in the right place at the right time. He has superb balance and quick feet, and he is direct - which makes him a nightmare to mark. Evans is not afraid to shoot from anywhere. He's scored many spectacular goals throughout his career!
He's a problem for any defender. He will sit on the shoulder of the last man, looking to run in behind. Any defender will tell you they hate marking strikers - who are looking to run in behind! No defender wants to be running back towards their own goal. Kouassi is composed and clinical in front of goal. He takes his chances early, which is a quality only a certified bagsman can have!
His pace and direct running often see him stretching defences. Many times in his career, seemingly covered by a defender - Kousassi will use his superb balance and quick feet to shift the ball and score - leaving the defender and goalkeeper both beaten!
His anticipation and movement have seen him score many goals by feeding off teammates' knockdowns. He's predatory in the opposition box - as his goals to game ratio shows! Evans can do the eye-catching moments by dribbling the ball between defenders or isolating a full back out wide before skinning them one on one! But what's most impressive about him, is his end product. He can do the viral eye-catching build-up moments - but more often than not, he will deliver an end product - and that's goals, goals, and more goals!
Evans is known for his goalscoring, but he's also brilliant at isolating defenders in little pockets of space before delivering a killer through ball or cross for his teammates in the box. His partnership this season with Matthew Price has been nothing short of sensational for Canvey Island!
Kouassi is coming off a brilliant season for Canvey, scoring 32 goals and contributing 29 assists. He plays with a smile on his face, and he lives and breathes winning. When he gets the ball on the turn running into space, it's game over! You're getting chopped a few times, he's scoring, or he's providing a killer pass to a teammate! Evans is quick, direct, skilful and deadly in front of goal. He's a problem for any opposition. He's just signed a new contract much to the delight of the park lane faithful!