Roberto Martinez thinks Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin is ‘growing’ as a player

Follow us on Google Discover

Dominic Calvert-Lewin was on the scoresheet for Everton over the weekend, as his team suffered a late defeat at Brighton.

Roberto Martinez has waxed-lyrical about Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin for adapting to the striker role as he thinks that he has ‘a bit of everything’ in his game.

The former Toffees manager also stated that Calvert-Lewin is ‘growing’ as a player as he admitted that there is always ‘pressure’ on Everton’s number nine.

Over the weekend, Marco Silva’s side were beaten 3-2 by Brighton, with Calvert-Lewin coming off the bench, and for a brief period, putting his side ahead.

Speaking to Goals on Sunday on Sky Sports (27/10/2019 at 12:30 pm), Martinez had nothing but positive words to say about Everton’s man up top.

“As a young player I think he had adapted really well into his role as a number nine,” Martinez told Sky Sports. “The movement [for his goal] is fantastic. The timing of that run in behind that centre-back and a clinical finish.

“He is a striker who can do a little bit of everything. He’s strong in the air. He’s a good finisher, especially the runs in behind the back four. But I think that was a fantastic finish, especially when that was his first action when he came on as a substitute. It shows you the focus and the maturity he has for a young man.

“I think he has adapted very well. He is someone who is growing all the time. He is one of those number 9’s that when he doesn’t score, he does all the things for the team. He can hold the ball. He can run in behind. He’s quite a dynamic number nine. If you want to play number nine for Everton, Dixie Dean, the pressure, it is a big role to fill. But I think Calvin is growing all the time.”

That defeat against Brighton only increases the pressure on Silva, who would have felt hard done by following a number of controversial VAR calls.

Belgium coach Martinez is well aware of what it is like walking the touchline of Goodison Park, as it could be argued that Everton haven’t been at their absolute best over the course of a season since he was in charge.

Silva did have money to spend in the summer, and he is also in his second season in charge, as European football is expected from the supporters, or at very least, a proper challenge.