Everton are on the cusp of a significant transformation.
With new owners at the helm, the return of David Moyes to Goodison Park, and a state-of-the-art stadium just months away, the Toffees appear to be entering a new chapter in their storied history.
However, before the club can fully embrace its bright future, they face the pressing challenge of ensuring Premier League survival this season.
Chris Sutton, speaking on It’s All Kicking Off, weighed in on Everton’s current struggles. The pundit specifically highlighted Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a potential concern, suggesting the striker’s form and mindset could impact the team’s ability to escape the relegation battle.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin a Concern for Everton
Sutton shared his perspective on Calvert-Lewin and the challenges Everton are facing this season.
“And I think that, I mean, just watching Match of the Day and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, he looks like a guy who has the weight of the world on his shoulders. He looks hesitant. He could have had a couple of goals.
“In fairness, Aston Villa deserved to win the game. They had some big opportunities they didn’t take. They were wasteful.
“But you can’t get away from the fact if David Moyes is relying on Dominic Calvert-Lewin for the rest of this season, then they could be in a bit of a bother. I still think that they have a good enough squad to stay in the Premier League, a good enough team to stay in the Premier League, but blimey, 15 measly goals this season, but nothing was ever going to be like a quick change.”
David Moyes’ History with Aerial Specialists
While Sutton expressed concerns over Calvert-Lewin, history suggests the striker could thrive under Moyes’ management.
The manager has a long-standing reputation for utilizing players who excel in the air, a category that includes several of his top scorers.
Tim Cahill, Yakubu, Michail Antonio, Tomas Soucek, and Marouane Fellaini were all key players under Moyes, renowned for their aerial prowess.
Calvert-Lewin, known for his ability in the air, fits that mold perfectly and could potentially flourish in a system designed to maximize his strengths.
Calvert-Lewin’s Potential
At his best, Calvert-Lewin has proven to be a top-class striker, evidenced by previous interest from clubs like Arsenal.
However, injuries and a loss of form have hampered his performances in recent seasons. For Everton to survive, the striker will need to rediscover his sharpness and confidence in front of goal.
Whether David Moyes can unlock Calvert-Lewin’s potential remains uncertain, but his track record with similar players offers hope.
If the striker can find his form, he could play a pivotal role in helping Everton secure their place in the Premier League and lay the foundation for the club’s new era.
