The Sheffield United academy product moved to Everton 18 months ago.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has told the Sheffield Star that leaving Sheffield United for Everton was not an easy decision, as he prepares for his first return to Bramall Lane since that 2016 transfer.
Calvert-Lewin is expected to feature for England’s Under-21s against Ukraine on Tuesday – a game which is being held at the Blades’ Bramall Lane home.
On United’s books between the ages of eight to 19, the Sheffield lad revealed it was always his dream to score at the famous old ground’s Kop end – an opportunity he thought may have evaded him after accepting a move to Everton.
“Everton is an unbelievable club,” said Calvert-Lewin. “When they came knocking on the door, it wasn’t an easy decision, though.
“When their interest was registered, the manager (of Sheffield United, Chris Wilder) had brought Leon Clarke in and I felt a little bit further down the pecking order.
“Everton gave me the platform in the Premier League and it’s worked out well for me so far. But Sheffield United, leaving Sheffield United, was never going to be easy because I’d been there since I was eight years old.
“I’ve come on leaps and bounds at Everton, getting in the first team and then also here with the Under-21s. The [Under-20] World Cup last year was a huge experience as well.
“Every player can always improve. I left United when I was 19 and I was still learning my craft, as I am now. But I’ve improved my movement and dealing with the ball under pressure. I’m used to playing in bigger circumstances in front of more fans so I feel more relaxed on the pitch now too.
“But, like I said, it still wasn’t easy to leave United. No way, not at all.”
However, the transition was at least made easier by the presence of two former Blades, who remain in place at Everton.
Calvert-Lewin added: “Jamie Hoyland and David Unsworth, who coached me at United, are both with Everton now and I still see them most days at Finch Farm. We always have a chat about Sheffield United when we bump into each other and it’s good to have people you’ve known for a long time around.
“The whole philosophy at Everton and Sheffield United are similar. They both give opportunities to young players, they both help you develop but the both keep your feet on the ground. That’s key. They’re both tough systems which means you are ready to make the step up. They’re both very big on the importance of keeping your feet on the ground and not getting too big for your boots. They’re big on people as well as footballers.”
Despite having severed his professional ties with Sheffield United, Calvert-Lewin admitted the Blades remain “a huge part of my life still”, adding “it’s good to see them doing well”.
But will the Everton number 29 ever make more than a fleeting return to his former club?
“Who knows? Who knows?” he added. “I’m only 21 so there’s plenty of time yet.”
Calvert-Lewin has already played 40 more games (52) in 18 months at Everton than he managed at Sheffield United.
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