Duncan Ferguson has predicted Dominic Calvert-Lewin to ‘score goals’ for Everton this season.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, the former coach opened up on the striker’s difficult run and claimed that he can play a huge role in Everton’s campaign once he is fully fit.
Calvert-Lewin earned a regular spot in the England squad after netting 29 goals in only 69 appearances in the Premier League, resulting in interest from the likes of Real Madrid, Newcastle United and Arsenal.
However, the 26-year-old has since endured a dramatic decline due to his injury record. Calvert-Lewin has missed over 200 days of action due to a number of injuries and has only managed seven goals over the last two seasons.
The Sheffield United academy graduate has since been working hard during pre-season to get fit and there is hope that he can rediscover his form this time round.
“He’s had a real tough run, hasn’t he? A real tough run,” Ferguson said.
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“He’s a wonderful player, and when he is healthy, he scores goals, and if Everton can get him fit and healthy, believe me, he will score goals.
“They have absolutely missed him. They have not been able to replace him, and he is a big miss for them.
“Any manager will tell you that you need goals in your team if you are to win any game of football, and Everton have struggled to do that and win games at home.
“A large part of that is because they have not had the main man up there. Dominic is the main man when he is fit. I know for a fact that he is trying everything to be fit for that team.
“Dominic is a great kid, and he will be back banging in the goals if he gets back on that pitch, and that will be the big thing for Everton this year.”
Dominic Calvert-Lewin will thrive off competition at Everton
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has endured an injury-stricken few years at Goodison Park and there isn’t a lot he can do about that other than work hard to recover.
However, if he can stay fit then he will certainly thrive off the competition that Sean Dyche is about to offer him.
Arnaut Danjuma is likely to feature behind the striker but can also play up top if needed, while Youssef Chermiti also offers another option in that number 9 role. Meanwhile, it looks like the Toffees are also targeting another forward in the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho or Che Adams.
Calvert-Lewin has rarely been challenged for his spot in the team and another goalscoring striker could really get him back to his best.