Many Everton supporters have been discussing if Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Tom Davies are good enough for the Toffees, following their performances against Crystal Palace in the Premier League curtain-raiser.
Calvert-Lewin faces a reduced role in Marco Silva’s plans following Moise Kean’s arrival from Juventus, while Davies has greater competition for minutes with Fabian Delph signed alongside a permanent deal for Andre Gomes and hiring Jean-Philippe Gbamin as Idrissa Gueye’s successor.
Morgan Schneiderlin began the tie ahead of Davies in the pecking order, as well, with Delph out with a groin injury, but the Frenchman did himself no favours by earning two yellow cards, and receiving his marching orders by referee Jonathan Moss after 76 minutes.
Silva soon turned to his bench for the third and final time to hand Davies his first appearance of the campaign by taking Gylfi Sigurdsson off, while Calvert-Lewin was included in the starting line-up, only to be hauled off for Kean in the second-half.
Prior to his departure in the 69th minute, £18million-rated Calvert-Lewin had fashioned one effort on goal, but failed to hit the target, according to data by WhoScored. The 22-year-old was also dispossessed once, failed to register a successful dribble, and had the least amount of touches of any Blues player who started the game – including Jordan Pickford.
The England U21 international did register a key pass within his eleven accurate passes, though, while also winning six aerial duels, albeit accounting for 40% of his battles.
As for Davies, the £13.5million-rated midfielder enjoyed the most time in possession of any Everton midfielder or attacker once on the field, with his 5.6% of time in possession leading to six accurate passes. He did, however, fail to win three of his five attempted tackles, and committed one foul.
Some Blues supporters still see potential in both that can be unearthed at Goodison Park, but others have suggested the pair have failed to progress following their breakthroughs into the first-team.
Here’s what these Toffees fans have shared…
When I watch Tom Davies and Dominic Calvert-Lewin for Everton I see two very good young players. Don’t know what half our fanbase sees that makes them think they are useless.
— Stop Bunching! (@SBunching) August 11, 2019
Couldnt disagree more. I see two championship standard players that we are obsessed with trying to develop
Wouldnt start for another team in the top ten so should they play for us trying to break the top 6
And we are too scared to loan them out now
— Edward McDonald (@eddymcdonald) August 11, 2019
I think dcl as improved but Davies isn’t good enough
— Paul Carroll (@carroll3_p) August 11, 2019
Both hard working lads. DCL would make a great CH but he is not a striker. The odd goal here and there is not what we need. TD, tries very hard and I’m sure he will come good.
— doylie45 (@doylie45) August 11, 2019
I see a absolutely useless player in calvert lewin never scores no danger and loses the ball Tom davies there is potential but that’s it
— Nez (@Nez88972981) August 11, 2019
They are good young players. They are well suited to the championship which isn’t a dig at them that’s just there level. They work hard and obviously have time to kick in and improve but they are not special talents
— Stephen MCP Brogarth (@SBrogarth) August 11, 2019
I agree they both have something about them but they need to start showing it. Both very inconsistent at time and frustrating. DCL has everything to be a striker but doesn’t score and that’s a massive failing
— Rob Cummerson (@bobby_efc) August 11, 2019
Their break through season was 3 seasons ago. Have they progressed since? No if your truthful. U either want them in the side and finishing 10th or getting in better and aiming for top 4/6
— Tomas (@toffeetommy79) August 11, 2019
Tom Davies has progressed but I think he’s done well in pre season so far. DCL has improved each year but he hasn’t taken his game to that next level each year. I don’t see a natural goalscorer there, who can score you a winner when you need it most
— Der Ketwig Kaiser (@DerKetwigKaiser) August 11, 2019
DCL has massive potential, he just can’t score goals unfortunately. You are kidding yourself if you think he is good enough to be starting up front for us.
— Kevin Harrison ™ (@KevertonH) August 11, 2019
Would either player make the bench of a top 6 side? Genuine question.
— Beechy (@8eechy) August 11, 2019
Davies played well yesterday when he came on
— jak wi11iam5 (@jackowills22) August 11, 2019
Thought they were two of our best players yesterday. Don’t know why DCL was taken off.
— rhapsody in blue (@rhapsodyinblu17) August 11, 2019