Former Everton CEO discusses Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s form at Leeds United after Toffees exit
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness has been left to ponder “what would have been” by the form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Leeds United.
After nearly a decade of service to the Toffees, Calvert-Lewin became a free agent at the end of last season. He spent a period as an unattached player before being handed a contract by Leeds.
There were question marks over the 29-year-old, who had struggled with fitness and form towards the end of his Everton spell, but his critics have been emphatically silenced this season.
Calvert-Lewin has contributed 13 goals to Leeds’ successful battle against relegation and there are two more games in which he can add to his tally.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin steered home the equalising penalty in Leeds United's recent draw with Tottenham Hotspur.placeholder image
Dominic Calvert-Lewin steered home the equalising penalty in Leeds United's recent draw with Tottenham Hotspur. | Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Dominic Calvert-Lewin verdict delivered
Wyness, who served as Everton’s CEO in the 2000s, has been left to wonder whether Everton should have retained the England international.
He told Football Insider: “I keep thinking about what would have been if Dominic had stayed at Everton. I keep wondering. That’s what I keep thinking about. Those goals would have been very crucial for Everton this season.
“But he has shown he’s still a talent. He’s shown that he’s still competing for an England place. I like Dominic. He’s a talent, he’s got a good eye for goal, and for Leeds, and he’s been the difference for them this year.”
A period of rest or a period of action
Calvert-Lewin was recalled to the England squad in March, returning to the international fold after over five years away. He appeared as a subsitute in a 1-1 draw with Uruguay, but did not deliver a particularly convincing display.
The Sheffield-born frontman could still make Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad, but there is fierce competition for places.
If Calvert-Lewin does not jet across the pond, Leeds will at least benefit from their focal point getting some rest at the end of a gruelling campaign.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin made his England comeback in March.placeholder image
Dominic Calvert-Lewin made his England comeback in March. | Bradley Collyer/PA Wire
Earlier this month, regarding his forward of choice, Whites manager Daniel Farke said: "I was a striker, concentrate on work for the team, work hard for the team, be a good teammate.
"Make the basic stuff, make the dirty stuff for the team. Don't think too much about the goals because they will come.
"He's done this during his whole career, his whole life, to score goals. Like a bottle of ketchup, it comes out more or less all of a sudden, all together."