Dominic Calvert-Lewin has opened up on his return to form and his disappointing performances last season.
Speaking an interview for Everton’s match-day programme, as per Liverpool World, the striker thanked Sean Dyche for his role in his recovery and also responded to criticism of a poor 2022/23 campaign.
Calvert-Lewin previously became a fan favourite at Goodison Park when he hit 34 goals in 76 appearances in all competitions. The forward was heavily linked with the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle United, however things took a dramatic turn when he suffered a series of injuries.
Calvert-Lewin only managed 34 appearances in the Premier League over the last two seasons, netting seven goals.
The England international often fought through the pain barrier last term and, as a result, really struggled to impress and often came under criticism from fans and pundits.
However, Calvert-Lewin looks to have turned things around since recovering from his fractured cheekbone and he has now looked back on a turbulent few years.
He said: “I think you look back at those performances compared to what I can produce- and people can start to kind of think: ‘He doesn’t care’. Then there can be another narrative of only being in it for money but money has no correlation to feeling and what someone is actually giving to be available.
“For me, when you care so much it can become fiery at times and that’s just because there’s so much passion involved. because there is so much passion, when things are going well, you are feeling on top of the world – and when they’re not going well, it comes with the territory that it’s going to fall on my shoulders.
“I understand it’s only because we all care so much about Everton being successful. The stress I was putting myself through to try to play, only to be at 60%, it wasn’t worth it. The new manager came in and put a stop to it and made sure I was able to be patient to get fully fit.”
Calvert-Lewin has put in all the hard work to return to full fitness and is desperate to reward Sean Dyche for his loyalty. The 26-year-old is admitted how thankful he is to the Toffees boss, saying: “The manager has played a massive role.
“I think I’ve been a victim of my own eagerness in trying to rush back and also the expectation from others, at times, in wanting me to be fit because of what I can bring to the table.
“I think it turned into a bit of a vicious cycle. Now, since the manager came in, he’s been big on me trusting my body again and feeling good in my body. It’s not about just ticking off the boxes in terms of being fit to play, it’s more about how I feel in myself. It took a lot of guts from the manager to bat off questions about me every week.
“He put it to bed by saying I’d be back when I was ready and that gave me confidence and a bit of relief, really. It took the pressure off myself and removed that feeling of having to rush back. I like to think it’s paid off so far. The condition that people see me now – that’s from the manager allowing me to get there.”
The (second) rise of DCL
Dominic Calvert-Lewin netted three goals in three games following his return to the Everton squad and put on another brilliant display in the 3-0 win over Bournemouth.
Fans won’t want to speak to soon but it does look like the attacker could gradually be getting back to his best and the team look so much better for it.
However, DCL needs to do everything he can to avoid picking up another injury. If he is forced to endure another lengthy spell on the sidelines then that could mean Everton are no longer willing to rely on him.
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