Dominic Calvert-Lewin left Everton in the summer, and comments made by Daniel Farke and James Justin might have Toffees officials squirming.
Everton host Leeds tonight in the Premier League at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
And many eyes will be on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who faces his old club for the first time since leaving on a free transfer.
What kind of reception does Calvert-Lewin deserve on his Everton return? 🫣
Calvert-Lewin returns to Merseyside having been in fine fettle recently. He’s scored eight goals in his last 10 Premier League appearances, and has nine for the season so far.
He’s played a huge part in Leeds’ resurgence lately, and has clearly established himself as key in their fight against relegation.
Ahead of his first game against Everton since leaving, Leeds boss Daniel Farke has delivered an emphatic verdict of his number nine.
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Daniel Farke thinks Everton let one of the best English strikers in the country leave
Calvert-Lewin could not really have asked for a much better start at Leeds.
He started off a bit slow as he built up his match sharpness. But in recent weeks he has been brilliant for Leeds and scored a number of vital goals.
Ahead of tonight’s game, Farke – who hailed Everton ahead of the game – has showered praise on Calvert-Lewin – and even called him one of the best English strikers around.
He said in an interview with Sky Sports: “I am pretty picky with my strikers and on which qualities I want.
“You can imagine each day, whatever handful of strikers was offered [to us]. But I was clear very early that if there is a chance to sign Dominic, I would sign him because I was always a big fan of his.
“For me, he’s one of the best English strikers that we have in this league and his quality was never in doubt.”
Moyes hinted that Calvert-Lewin’s lack of availability was a factor in his exit at Everton, and the manager has also previously stated that the financials weren’t right.
This season Everton have struggled to score goals, so this verdict from Farke may not have some officials sitting too comfortably.
James Justin claims Calvert-Lewin wanted new challenge
Leeds defender James Justin has also spoken about Calvert-Lewin ahead of Everton vs Leeds.
Justin has stated that Calvert-Lewin opted to move on out of a need to experience a new challenge, which is something he could relate to when leaving Leicester City.
Interestingly, Justin also seemed to hint that Calvert-Lewin was not appreciated as much as he should have been at Everton.
Everton fans, let’s hear your score predictions for the Leeds United game!
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He said: “He was ready for a new challenge. We’d been at the same club for a while and wanted something fresh.
“I’m just glad that he’s found a new home that appreciates him,” Justin adds. “He’s been ultra-professional this season. He takes care of his body, eats the right things and recovers well.
“He’s always looking to improve himself. I feel like that’s why the goals are coming. He’s full of confidence now.”
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