Mark Chapman blown away by one Everton star
It’s been said many times recently, but the improvement made by Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin this season has been extraordinary to witness.
The 22-year-old is one of the most in-form attackers in the Premier League, excelling first under Duncan Ferguson and then Carlo Ancelotti.
He scored once again against Arsenal in the Toffees’ 3-2 defeat on Sunday, making it 14 strikes for the campaign now.
Nine of those have come in his last 12 games, and he is suddenly on the precipice of an England call-up.
BBC Sport presenter Mark Chapman is one of those who has been blown away by the youngster’s turnaround.
“There was also when he hung in the air for ages towards the end of the game,” he said on BBC Radio 5 Live. “He tried to direct the header back across goal, but his leap and his hang time was phenomenal.
“He’s 22 – he’s 23 next month. I interviewed him last season, and I have to say the difference between interviewing him last season and seeing him in the flesh this season: goodness me, has he filled out, has he physically developed in the last 12 months.
“He looks like a man now.”
How big of a factor has Calvert-Lewin’s physical maturation been?
It’s been big for him, certainly. The difference in him is obvious to see. He is bulkier now, he’s less lean than he used to be.
That allows the Toffees striker to hold the ball up better, win aerial contests with more regularity and hold off challenging defenders, all things that are crucial for a Premier League frontman.
His teammate in the Blues’ attack, Richarlison, has also improved in this capacity, which is why both men have been so successful this term.
But Calvert-Lewin has improved in so many different aspects that it’s hard to nail down just one as the reason for his success.
In other Everton news, a former Toffees defender has been raging at one player for his performance against Arsenal.