Chris Bascombe
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was dropped for Everton’s recent match against Manchester United Credit: Getty Images/Jan Kruger
Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton reacts after missing a chance during the Premier League match between Everton and Brentford at Goodison Park on November 23, 2024
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was dropped for Everton’s recent match against Manchester United Credit: Getty Images/Jan Kruger
Everton manager Sean Dyche says he wants more from striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to help lift the club away from the danger zone.
Calvert-Lewin has two Premier League goals this season and was named on the bench for Everton’s 4-0 loss at Manchester United.
That followed a clamour for Beto to start, and Dyche is hopeful that summer signing Armando Broja is finally fit to make his club debut in a crucial game with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday.
Dyche is banking on increased competition bringing more out of Calvert-Lewin.
“I was talking to him recently about it, sort of freeing yourself up a little bit,” said Dyche. “ I think he’s a very good player, as everyone knows.
“I stood by him a lot when people questioned whether he should be playing or not, but I do believe in him. I thought it was right to come out the other day. We’ll reconsider it of course going into the next game. But I thought he came on, he looked active, but I do think he’s got more to offer.
‘I’ve made errors this season, for sure’
“I think he’s playing within himself, not a deliberate thing, but I reminded him of the good player he is, and what he can be, and the threat he can be.
“Finding that consistency in what he does is important, but he knows that. I think he’s coming back to where he wants to be, and certainly we want him to be, which we believe is a very good striker. And I suppose the competition helps with Broja coming back.
Sean Dyche, manager of Everton, walks towards the tunnel after his team's defeat in the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on December 1, 2024 in Manchester, England
Sean Dyche (centre) is hoping the return of Armando Broja will help bring the best out of Calvert-Lewin Credit: Getty Images/Alex Livesey
“It’s always helpful. Competition keeps you with that edge, because you know that if there’s other players there, and they’re all willing and they’re all fighting to play, then you have to stand up. Maybe that would be part of his motivation.”
Everton are in the familiar position of trying to get out of trouble near the bottom of the Premier League table, while the manager’s situation looks precarious as the club await the all-clear for prospective owner Dan Friedkin to complete his takeover.
“For sure we’ve made errors. I’ve made errors this season, for sure,” Dyche said. “The team has made errors, that’s quite obvious. And we haven’t killed teams off when we’ve been in a position to do so.
“The fine margins are always there for all to see, and I’ve never shied away from that. You’ve got to win games, and we haven’t won enough games this season.”
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