It’s been a major breakthrough season for Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The forward, who was frequently criticised in the early years of his time at Goodison Park for a lack of goalscoring instinct, comfortably leads the team’s goalscoring charts. And barring a big surprise, he’s locked in to be part of England’s squad for this summer’s European Championship.
He’s yet to take a penalty in the Premier League this season and has scored 14 goals; only Harry Kane (19), Mohamed Salah (18) and Bruno Fernandes (16) lead him in the race for the competition Golden Boot.
Nowhere to hide this morning. I'm disappointed I didn't take my chances yesterday. We learn and we move. A week to regroup and time to kick on next Monday. pic.twitter.com/TqEwydSToL
— Dominic Calvert-Lewin (@CalvertLewin14) April 6, 2021
Nevertheless, Calvert-Lewin has been under the microscope this week after Everton’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, as he missed a couple of big chances to put the game to bed for the Toffees. It means it’s now just three goals in his last 15 Premier League games for the striker.
What’s been noticeable about Calvert-Lewin’s recent profligacy is the kind of opportunity he’s missing, as indicated below:
Big chances missed % in the Premier League this season. #EFC pic.twitter.com/MhlGiy1VC8
— EFC Statto (@EFC_Statto) April 7, 2021
When it comes to instinctive finishes and being on the end of crosses, Calvert-Lewin excels at diverting the ball home first-time. Given time to pick his spot with the ball running in front of him and it’s a different matter entirely, as he lacks the composure so frequently showed by the likes of Kane, Salah and Fernandes.
Twice on Monday, Vicente Guaita narrowed the angle to the Everton striker and saw the ball fired straight at him. Calvert-Lewin also missed one-on-ones in recent matches with Manchester United, Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion.
There is so much to like about Calvert-Lewin’s game, with his physicality, speed and ability to link play—not to mention the new-found predatory instinct that has emerged—making him one of the most rounded strikers in the Premier League at the moment.
But if the 24-year-old wants to make another step up and join the elite bracket of centre-forward at the end of this season or in years to come, it’s clear where he needs to make strides.