Everton news: Pundit issues ‘massive’ Dominic Calvert-Lewin claim after ‘big’ reveal
Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be “massively frustrated” by his Everton form but his struggles are a normal part of recovery, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 24-year-old can restore his “confidence” and “belief” with a goal – no matter how it comes.
Calvert-Lewin is yet to score in five Everton starts since recovering from a fractured toe in early January and spoke on Monday about the mental struggles of not playing.
As quoted by the Liverpool Echo (20 February), manager Frank Lampard insisted the striker can be a “big threat” once his injury recovery is complete.
The new Toffees boss also claimed his side isn’t playing to Calvert-Lewin’s strengths at present.
Whelan suggested one goal could be all it takes for “normal service” to be resumed – just as with Harry Kane.
“I think this is just part of the process of his recovery,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Sometimes when you come back you can get that first goal straight away, but sometimes it takes that little bit of luck. It might be a tap-in, a rebound, a deflection.
“But strikers thrive on confidence, and once he gets that first one, I’m sure he’ll have that belief back in your game.
“He’s a massive player and I’m sure he’s massively frustrated and losing belief but all it takes is one goal in order to get that back.
“Every striker goes through it, even Harry Kane. It just takes that spark and that goal with his name to it and normal service could well be resumed.”
Calvert-Lewin has only managed three league goals this term after notching a career-best 16 strikes last season.
Everton sit just four points adrift of the relegation zone after winning just one of their last seven Premier League games.
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