Why Calvert-Lewin Needs a Partner

By • Sep 26th, 2017 • Category: News |

It was a delight to see Dominic Calvert-Lewin put in two quality performances last week.

The now England under-21 international took his goals againt Sunderland superbly – and against Bournemouth, he showed determination, character and most importantly, genuine quality.

The youngster clearly has bags of potential but needs his manager, Ronald Koeman, to use him appropriately. In this early stage of his career, it surely has be in partnership with another striker.

We can’t place too much responsibility on this young man’s shoulders so soon.

Often this season, Calvert-Lewin has played as the sole striker in Koeman’s bizare 5-2-2-1 formation. He has often looked isolated in the first few games, and whilst he has tried hard and shown moments of quality with his assists for Rooney’s two league goals, he needs support around him.

Sigurdsson, Sandro and Klassen are yet to do the business. Lacking pace throughout, Everton players have struggled to get up the pitch in time to support Calvert-Lewin and help retain posession.

Against Bournemouth, Calvert-Lewin impressed with his pace and improving first touch, but needed greater support from his team-mates around him.

When Niasse came on, Calvert-Lewin excelled. He had more freedom and in the knowledge he had a genuine number 9 around him, had someone to link up with effectively.

Considering how ineffective and poorly Everton’s ‘number tens’ have played so far this season, a change of formation is needed. Hopefully Koeman will continue to play the boy in a front two, perhaps alongside Niasse, at least until more experienced re-inforcements can be brought in.



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