Everton boss Frank Lampard feels the expectations being put on Dominic Calvert-Lewin are ‘unfortunately’ unrealistic after the forward’s lengthy injury issues, via the Liverpool Echo.
Calvert-Lewin is struggling to find form in front of the goal since returning from an absence of four months. The 25-year-old started the campaign strongly with three goals after three Premier League games. But he has now failed to convert a chance in either of his last eight.
The England star has not endured a drought in the top-flight as lengthy as his current spell since the end of the 2019/20 season. Calvert-Lewin saw out the term without a goal in his final 10 appearances, following him hitting double figures for the first time in his career.
His barren spell under Carlo Ancelotti came after a lethal start to the Italian’s tenure with eight goals in 10 games. He then hit last season from the off with 11 goals over his first 11 outings, including seven in his opening five, on route to a personal-best 16 over 33 games.
This season should have followed his recent upward trajectory, but difficulties shaking off a quadriceps injury have proven costly. He missed 14 Premier League games as a result of the issue, plus one with an adductor issue and illness keeping him from another one since.
Lampard feels hopes for Everton’s Calvert-Lewin are ‘unfortunately’ unrealistic
Calvert-Lewin has enjoyed a raft of scoring chances since the Everton marksman returned from his quadriceps injury in January. Per WhoScored, he has taken 17 shots over his last eight Premier League appearances. But the forward has only hit the target with just four.
Lampard hopes that Calvert-Lewin can now rediscover his goalscoring knack, having had a chance to build up his fitness over Everton’s recent games. As while he has enjoyed a host of shots of late, expectations based on past success is not easy when still unfit. He stated:
“The day before the West Ham game he was feeling a little bit stiff. We want to manage him right. But at the same time, he’s getting into the position where he’s right and ready.
“He’s a top talent, a player who wants to perform. Unfortunately, when you’re at that level, people want that at all times. When you’re striving for fitness and sharpness, it’s not as easy as people think. He’s in a good place now. It’s time to stop talking, hopefully.”
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