The Toffees number nine, who scored at Goodison Park at the weekend, has found himself under criticism from some quarters this season.
Everton attacker Richarlison has spoken out in support of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, saying he “needs help” from the rest of the team, who in turn are doing all they can to help him score (official Toffees website).
The Toffees number nine grabbed his second Premier League goal of the season, and fourth in all competitions, when he nodded home from point-blank range against Manchester City at the weekend.
However, Calvert-Lewin nonetheless received criticism from some quarters, both for spurning a golden chance to equalise in the second half and for his general play, which former Everton ace and Liverpool Echo columnist Michael Ball recently described as “running himself into the ground in areas you don’t want him to be”.
Richarlison, speaking to the official Everton media team, discussed the Man City game, which saw Marco Silva’s side put in a gutsy display but lose 3-1 at Goodison Park, and he touched upon Calvert-Lewin, giving him support both verbally and pledging to do so on the pitch.
“Dominic is our number 9 and we want to try to help him score, he needs help from all of us,” Richarlison told the Everton website. “That is what we are trying to do, along with returning the confidence to our team.”
Calvert-Lewin – valued by Transfermarkt at £18million – made 35 Premier League appearances last term, including 19 starts, 10 of which came consecutively at the tail end of last season, which coincided with the Toffees picking up six victories, two draws and 16 goals.
Up next for Everton is Saturday’s Premier League trip to Burnley.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
