John Barnes has told TalkSport (21/09/20 at 8:50 am) that he has ‘always been impressed’ with Dominic Calvert-Lewin despite Everton fans thinking otherwise.
The former Reds winger stated that when he backed Calvert-Lewin last season, Everton fans were labelling him ‘disrespectful’ because he said that he’s ‘good enough’ for the Toffees and ‘no-one else’.
Ever since Carlo Ancelotti has walked through the Goodison Park doors, Calvert-Lewin has started to bang in the goals, including a hat-trick against West Brom over the weekend.
But Barnes made it clear that he has always backed the Sheffield-born player, who has started off the season in fine fashion.
“I’ve always been impressed with Dominic Calvert-Lewin,” Barnes told TalkSport. “Last year when he was getting a bit of stick I went on Twitter and said he’s good enough for Everton.
“A lot of Evertonians thought I was being negative and said ‘you are being disrespectful saying he’s good enough for Everton and no-one else’
Everton’s opening fixtures of the 2020/21 season
- Tottenham (A)
September 12
- West Brom (H)
September 19
- Crystal Palace (A)
September 26
- Brighton (H)
October 3
- Liverpool (H)
October 17
- Southampton (A)
October 26
“He works hard. The problem he had last year was working so hard for Everton in terms of the way they were playing, he was doing it in the wrong areas. Now they have created a system for him where he can play in the penalty box. He’s good in the air. He’ll hold the ball up. He’ll get into the box.
“They have more creativity around him now. I am not saying he’s going to be top-scorer. But he will score goals. I am really pleased for him.”
Even though Everton have had someone like Richarlison in their forward line, they haven’t been able to replace Romelu Lukaku’s goals from many years ago.
It has played a part in them not taking that step towards Europe, and whilst Calvert-Lewin still has a long way to go, he is showing promise that he can hit 15 plus goals in the league this term.
If he does that then Everton’s chances of securing a European finish will increase and Calvert-Lewin may even find himself on that plane to next summer’s Euro 2021.
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