Everton fans are hoping to see a resurgent Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the second half of the season.
The striker broke his duck at the weekend in the 3-2 win against Tottenham Hotspur, putting in a terrific centre-forward performance at Goodison Park.
Calvert-Lewin struck in the first-half, finishing wonderfully after working some space after a through ball by Idrissa Gueye.
That was his third of the campaign, and first since August.
Calvert-Lewin has had a highly disappointing first half of 2024/25. But operating as a centre-forward in a Sean Dyche team can often be a thankless task.
Things could be different now for Calvert-Lewin with David Moyes in charge, if of course, he sticks around. Because Newcastle United amongst others are interested in Calvert-Lewin, whose contract expires in the summer.
But given what the player has said about Moyes, an exit this month now seems unlikely.
Calvert-Lewin appears to dismiss Everton exit talk with Moyes praise
In his first press conference, Moyes talked up Calvert-Lewin as being a potential difference-maker for Everton.
He spoke about getting him firing again, and the Scot suggested he was ready to lean on the 27-year-old.
But players can always feel differently, and speculation has remained over Calvert-Lewin and his immediate future.
But after the game with Spurs, Calvert-Lewin heaped praise on Moyes and the work he’s done at the club so far, insisting he’s looking forward to playing under him and suggesting he isn’t looking to leave the club this month.
In quotes published today by the club’s official website, he said: “It’s been really good. He’s had a lot on in the week that he’s been in, doing things left, right and centre.
“The conversations I’ve had with him have been really good. He’s an honest, humble man and I’m looking forward to working under him, playing under him and working on the simple messaging that he’s given me. It gives me confidence.”
Moyes can be Calvert-Lewin’s catalyst
Calvert-Lewin has had a frustrating campaign and fans have also found it difficult to watch him at times in 2024/25.
Dyche’s style of play did not help him as often, he was isolated in the final third. But some do feel that he could perhaps have done more.
But the picture has changed now following the arrival of Moyes and Calvert-Lewin has already looked much better in the games against Aston Villa and Spurs.
He’s had eight shots across those two games, so the fact he’s actually getting chances regularly now is good news.
He has lacked cutting edge but that is perhaps due to having not had any real rhythm or confidence. But hopefully, his strike against Spurs will now open the floodgates for him.
Leon Osman recently claimed Moyes has always wanted to work with a centre-forward like Calvert-Lewin, and one does get the feeling the new manager will be really good for him.
