As a striker quickly taken to Everton hearts, Yakubu can see Samba star Richarlison is feeling the unique warmth of Toffees fans.
The Brazilian’s brace in the Premier League win over Brighton was the latest marker of a fruitful first season on Merseyside for the Marco Silva summer signing.
Having scored 23 goals in his first season at Goodison Park in 2007, Yakubu knows the Evertonian embrace can inspire new recruits to instant success.
The 35-year-old credited the role of the Everton faithful in helping Richarlison - who scored twice in his first-ever game for the club against Wolves - bed in.
“When you come to Everton you’re accepted by the fans,” said Yakubu, speaking ahead of the SportPesa Trophy clash between Everton and Kenyan Premier League side Gor Mahia.
“You’ll be fine if the fans believe in you. Sometimes I went four games without scoring but they appreciate your hard work.
“I was lucky enough to get good players around me - leaders, like Phil Jagielka, Tim Cahill and Tim Howard, who made me feel at home and I didn’t struggle.
“I came to know these guys for my whole life and it’s special to play with players like this.
“I think Richarlison already has that feeling.”
The Nigerian will watch on with pride on Tuesday night when history is made and Gor Mahia become the first African club side to face Premier League opposition on English soil.
Having beaten Tanzania’s Simba SC in the SportPesa Super Cup final in June, the Kenyan Premier League champions have the chance of a lifetime to play at Goodison Park.
Everton are in good form under manager Silva, beaten just once in their opening six home games of the season and coming off a 3-1 victory on Saturday against Brighton, the Blues’ fourth win in their past five Premier League games.
Yakubu is enthused by the Portuguese manager’s style of football and feels a top-six finish is not beyond the Toffees.
“Marco Silva loves players to play from the back and his football is the way Evertonians want to see the game played,” said Yakubu, whose 17 goals for Blackburn in 2011-12 was the most scored by an African player in that season.
“His team will always try to play, which is really good as Evertonians want to play good football.
“If they can finish in the top six, it would be great. As a club, Everton are trying to move onto the next level and credit to them.
“Getting to that level means finishing in the top six initially and looking to win a trophy and I think you can see they’re moving in the right direction.”
Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia will make history tomorrow as the first African club to play an English Premier League club in the UK when they face Everton for the SportPesa trophy. Tickets are available now at tickets.evertonfc.com
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