Dominic Calvert-Lewin is not alone in cutting a divisive figure among the Goodison Park faithful, as every single player in Everton’s ranks has been prone to failing under Marco Silva.
The Merseyside Derby on Sunday, however, saw the Portuguese hand his 6 foot 1 forward another chance to prove his worth while leading the line, having found the net for the seventh time this season against Cardiff in midweek.
He could not add to his tally against the red half of Stanley Park, but that is not the entire picture that the 21-year-old painted on home turf, as the 13-cap England U21 international had a few standout moments that suggest he could be Silva’s man from here on.
In fact, Calvert-Lewin’s 74 minutes against the Anfield natives saw the on-the-day striker record six successful aerial duels, which was more than any other Toffees ace and only bettered by Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutchman is regularly lauded for being one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, and even the world on occasion, but our man held his own against the 27-year-old throughout the encounter, something Richarlison or Cenk Tosun would not have been able to.
It should be said, however, that there are still some aspects that the Sheffield United youth product has to work on before we will achieve success with him as the lead man.
The versatile forward again showed in the Merseyside Derby that he must bulk up a little more to be able to out-muscle his way to goal and stay on his feet under the more robust challenges he will endure.
Add in a little more movement and creativity from behind – which Bernard and Richarlison looked to offer in the Merseyside Derby from the wings – and Silva can finally see Calvert-Lewin as his striker, the one he can build a side around.