Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin has admitted to Sky Sports that he set ‘unrealistic’ expectations for himself and is still working to gain fitness after a lengthy injury lay-off.
The 24-year-old established himself among the Premier League’s elite strikers last season with 16 goals over 33 games. Calvert-Lewin’s haul saw him finish sixth in the Golden Boot race and returned his England bow. But he has rarely been at the Blues’ disposal this term.
After netting three times during the opening three games of the campaign, Calvert-Lewin sustained a quadriceps injury. He later suffered a setback in his rehabilitation in October and only returned to play in January. Yet is still shaking off the cobwebs from his time out.
Calvert-Lewin has not scored since converting a penalty at Brighton in August over his five appearances since returning from injury. An adductor issue also meant Frank Lampard was without the forward against Manchester City last week that he will hope is not long-term.
Everton star Calvert-Lewin admits setting ‘unrealistic’ aims for injury return
Calvert-Lewin now admits he set ‘unrealistic’ goals for his return to the Everton side after spending four-months out injured. He also felt the pressure from the Toffees’ needing his goals before returning against Brighton, having only won three of 14 games without him.
But the 11-cap ace does not shy from his responsibilities and feels honoured to be needed. Yet Calvert-Lewin also accepts his return came at a trying part of the Premier League term.
“There was such a big emphasis on me coming back,” Calvert-Lewin said. “The results not being great just made me want to return and help the team. But I think I set unrealistic expectations of myself, and that was difficult to deal with mentally.
“Once upon a time, I was not in that position so I see it as a privilege to have that expectation on my shoulders. Nobody expects more of me than myself. I believe I am capable of making a difference.
“But I am having to get fit and sharp on the pitch in Premier League games. You underestimate how long four or five-months is to have out. You come back in the middle of a season and everyone else is up to speed. I underestimated how difficult it would be.”
Everton only managed to score 14 goals during their 14 games whilst Calvert-Lewin was out injured. They have also only hit home four in seven since his return in January, having failed to find the net against Aston Villa, Southampton and Manchester City in recent defeats.
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