Many assume it was Carlo Ancelotti who helped Dominic Calvert-Lewin eventually find his feet at Everton.
The Italian arrived in December 2019 as a replacement for Marco Silva, and it was not long until the England international became one of the best strikers in England under his tutelage, netting 21 goals in 39 appearances in the 2020/21 season.
However, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has now admitted it was Duncan Ferguson who was “the real catalyst” for his transformation at Everton before Carlo Ancelotti.
Just how far could Carlo Ancelotti have taken Everton if he stuck around? 😫
Carlo Ancelotti quote on his time at Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Masashi Hara.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin says Carlo Ancelotti simply added icing to the cake Duncan Ferguson baked
Speaking to ITV Sport after earning a recall to the England squad, the Leeds United No.9 engaged in the following conversation with Gabriel Clarke.
Clarke asked: “Who was your manager at the time (of England debut) at club level?”
Calvert-Lewin replied: “Carlo Ancelotti.”
When asked how big an influence the former Chelsea boss was on him, the striker added: “Huge. When he came into Everton, he gave me all the confidence that I needed. He’s got a way with words and a way with people, which I think gets the best out of people.”
Clarke then asked: “Would it be fair to say a Scotsman has been vital to your development as a centre forward?”
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Calvert-Lewin, who admired Seamus Coleman and James Tarkowski on Merseyside, responded: “Correct. Yeah. Duncan Ferguson came before Carlo and he was the one that was the real catalyst for kickstarting that form.”
Expanding on how Ancelotti helped develop a foundation Ferguson had already laid, the 29-year-old said: “Dunc was always in my corner. He was someone I could always lean on for words of advice, lean on his experience, and he was always there on good days, bad days in between, pushing me on. And then Carlo with his aura, you know, he commands it when he walks into a room. I think when I had someone like that telling me I’m a good player (it was) validation.”
Calvert-Lewin scored almost a goal every two games under Ancelotti, bagging 29 in 60 appearances with the 66-year-old as his manager, also recording six assists.
In the games Ferguson – who Ancelotti loved working with – oversaw as an interim coach, the former Sheffield United striker netted two goals in five matches.
Was it a mistake to let Dominic Calvert-Lewin go? 🤔
The former Everton striker is on fire at Leeds! 🔥
Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Leeds United looks on during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Credit: Getty Images/Michael Regan.
Unfortunately, Leeds are the ones now reaping the rewards as Calvert-Lewin sits on ten goals in 30 games for the Whites, although Everton can take comfort in the fact they are fighting for Europe while Daniel Farke battles relegation.
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