Everton boss Ronald Koeman has suggested Dominic Calvert-Lewin could have a big role to play this season.
Calvert-Lewin was Everton’s hero yesterday, as he scored their winner in Europa League qualifying.
Calvert-Lewin latched on to Davy Klaassen’s through ball, before finishing well, to send Everton through to the next round with a 1-0 win over Ružomberok in Slovakia.
And Koeman has suggested that he is counting on Calvert-Lewin coming good over the campaign ahead.
“Maybe Dominic [Calvert-Lewin] feels a bit more comfortable out of the system we played tonight, where he is one of two strikers,” Koeman said. “He got more space. He’s strong, he’s fast and he scored a great goal.
“He is one of our young players. It is all about productivity that we need and of course I will count on him this season. It’s all about training and performances. We need competition and it’s good that he is providing that.”
Calvert-Lewin was given plenty of chances at Everton last term, but he has not been particularly prolific to date.
The England youth international has often played out wide, and currently only has one Premier League goal to his name.
Calvert-Lewin has a lot of competition for a place in Everton’s team, but his goal last night will have strengthened his claim.
The Toffees were far from their best in Slovakia, but got the job done to progress to the next round.
Everton’s focus will now turn to the Premier League season, which kicks off in just over a week’s time.
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