Former England captain Rio Ferdinand has called for Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin to “come back fast”, stating that the 25-year-old is no longer looking like the big game player he has the potential to be.
DCL has had a torrid run of injuries over the past couple of years, and has consequently played just 493 minutes of Premier Football for the Blues so far this campaign, scoring 1 goal.
Indeed, the Yorkshire-born forward looked to be developing into one of England’s top goalscorers just a few seasons ago, and was selected as part of Gareth Southgate’s squad for the European Championships in the summer of 2021.
His performances for club and country promoted a flurry of transfer rumours linking the England international with a big money move away from Goodison Park, but ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand insists that DCL is no longer looking like the player he once was, but a return to fitness and form will be integral in keeping Everton in the top-flight.
“Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dominic Calvert-Lewin man,” Ferdinand said.
“This is the guy people were saying Manchester United should buy for £60-70 million only a few months ago.
“Like the injuries, and I don’t know what it is now, but I ain’t seeing that player at the moment, and that player needs to come back fast if they are going to survive relegation because he will be integral to that.”
Frank Lampard’s side have struggled to find the net throughout the campaign so far, scoring just 14 goals in 18 Premier League games, with Anthony Gordon’s 3 goals putting him top of the club’s scoring charts.
There is no doubt that Calvert-Lewin will need to rediscover the form that made him such a key player for the Toffees, but we’re unlikely to see a fully fit DCL any time soon after such an extended spell in the treatment room, though a little investment in the club’s attacking options this month could ease the pressure on the 25-year-old.