Everton youngster Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s first proper year as a member of the clubs’ first team has caused a fair bit of debate when it comes to his productivity.
Having come in from Sheffield United in the summer of 2016, the 21-year-old does now have 29 starting appearances to his name, with a further 26 showings from the bench and in that time his goal return stands at nine.
With only eleven showings in 2016/17 as he adjusted to the club and the step up to the Premier League, last season was far more successful for him on a game front as he made 44 appearances in total.
Lauding his contribution, the Everton Twitter team offered the following yesterday morning.
⚽️ Seven goals
🅰️ Six assistsA productive first full season for @CalvertLewin14…
👉 https://t.co/MgFBfDLGK7 pic.twitter.com/zWxKNav2nt
— Everton (@Everton) May 21, 2018
As seems to be life at Goodison Park after the season we’ve just had, despite the announcement of Sam Allardyce’s departure, some fans are perfectly happy with the way the youngster has adjusted and contributed this year. Others, however, are far from convinced that he’ll make it as they seem to have expected far more from him.
I think that’s a little harsh to be fair, and plenty of others did as well given the talent he holds at his core.
Ridiculous comment that
— Jay Wilson (@JayWilson_1997) May 21, 2018
Puts himself about, hold up play is superb, got the strength to cope and he’s scored 7 goals in his first full season? He’s still a kid whether you like it or not, Ronaldo didn’t score 7 til his 3rd season, would you have wrote him off because age doesn’t matter?
— Jay Wilson (@JayWilson_1997) May 21, 2018
With Ronaldo being brought into the argument, Alan Shearer’s first proper season got a reference as well as he needed to learn the ropes before he finally turned into the player he became.
Regardless of what the minority of idiots say DCL had a very good season. A summer off to recuperate and go again next season. Target 10 goals next season and build from there.
— Dean (@DeanJHD) May 21, 2018
Not good enough. Loan him and Davies out
— Scott Davies (@Scottdavies_7) May 21, 2018
Ademola and dominic should play a major roll nxt season regardless of who in charge. Both have pace, can finish and that fearlessness only youth brings
— chris taylor (@christaylor1878) May 22, 2018
Don’t think he’ll score 20 but he’ll do much better under a manger that plays him in his natural position, not on the wing. Moyes behaviour that
— Dean Ferguson (@Dean_Ferguson1) May 21, 2018
Completely agree mate, I just think Calvert-Lewin will keep getting better, already loads better than when we first got him.
— Dean Ferguson (@Dean_Ferguson1) May 21, 2018
Just need to be a little more clinical in front of goal DCL. I've faith in you mate. Keep going, and next season you'll be in the England Full Team set up. You'll streak past Rashford when the media realise he's gone as far as he can.
— MJ (@MJDtoffee65) May 21, 2018
i like this kid think everton were asking too much of him to play up front on his own at such young age lumping balls up to him to be a big dunk ! yeah the kid is strong and good in the air but he could be a lot better if we use his attributes properly
— Paul Jeffers (@PaulJeffers4) May 21, 2018
For his first full season, and despite being asked to lead the line when the club was going through a very bad patch he's done very well. Still very raw, with much to learn.
Think he'd make a good wide target man eventually.
— Andreas Wätt (@Wattawildworld) May 21, 2018
Make of that what you will. Suffice to say everyone sees a different game and opinions do make football go round. I think DCL has made progress in what was a difficult year, especially for our more flair players and you’d expect him to only perform better next season given his greater experience now.