Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton believes Dominic Calvert-Lewin staying fit is the key to Everton’s season.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has picked up a lot of injuries over the last couple of years and was unavailable for Everton‘s 1-0 defeat against Fulham last weekend.
Discussing the forward on BBC Radio 5 Live, Sutton said: “He is the key to their season. If he gets fit… I think the last couple of seasons, he’s never had a sufficient run of games.
“But he is a natural-born finisher, Calvert-Lewin. He’s absolutely key for Sean Dyche and Everton.”
Calvert-Lewin was only able to make 15 starts in the Premier League last term, missing large chunks of the Toffees’ very difficult campaign.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin staying fit could be a game changer for Everton
Calvert-Lewin being able to remain injury-free really could define Everton’s season. On his day, he is definitely one of the more dangerous centre-forwards in the Premier League.
Back in the 2020/21 campaign, where he was able to play 39 games in all competitions, Calvert-Lewin scored 21 times.
In the absence of the 26-year-old, who has been described as “athletic” by Liverpool legend Graeme Souness, Everton just do not score enough goals.
They really struggled in that department last season, netting just 34 times in the Premier League, which was the second-worst record in the division. And having blanked against Fulham at Goodison Park in their first game of the new campaign, it was more of the same.
The above is why Dyche needs Calvert-Lewin fit and firing again. And if it is not him dispatching up front, then someone else has to step up, otherwise Everton will find themselves embroiled in yet another relegation battle.
All in all, Calvert-Lewin can be a great asset to his side this term, so his manager will be praying for his injury problems to go away.
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