Position: Defender Squad Number: 4 Former Clubs: Standard Liege, Marseille Place of Birth: Kano, Nigeria Date of Birth: 9/7/1980 Transfer fee: £1m rising to £5m depending on appearances
Such was the impression Joseph Yobo made for a poor Nigeria team at the 2002 World Cup final's that Juventus, Arsenal and Newcastle United all approached the 22 year old centre back.
But it was Everton boss David Moyes who made the biggest impression on Yobo and the Blues completed a major coup by securing the defender for just £1m on a year’s contract with a view to a further four years - which was taken up in November 2002. Following a dispute between Yobo and his former club, Marseille, the deal was not made permanent until May 2003.
Pacy and strong, Yobo has the ability to play at either centre back or right back and even in midfield but prefers centre back. Composed, assured and strong in the tackle, Yobo also possesses great vision - all attributes which led to him being named Everton's Young Player of the Year for the 2003/4 season.
He performed ably during the early part of the 2005/6 campaign, before African Nations duty called with Nigeria. Despite an indifferent patch of form on his return, he has since retained his place at the heart of the Blues' defence.
Yobo has earned himself important roles both at Everton and at international level, captaining Nigeria and playing every minute of league action for the blues during the 2006/7 season.
He has made more appearances in an Everton shirt than any other overseas player.
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