Exclusive: Campbell claims Calvert-Lewin won’t want Everton rest during festive fixtures
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell believes that Dominic Calvert-Lewin won’t want to miss Everton matches over the festive period following suggestions that he should be rested.
http://www.everton.comCalvert-Lewin has started all 14 of the Toffees’ Premier League matches this season and has played every minute for Carlo Ancelotti’s side since he started against Crystal Palace in late September.
It has been suggested that the striker could be rested for some of the Toffees’ games over the festive period but Campbell doesn’t think the 23-year-old will want a break.
Speaking to Goodison News, Campbell said, “It all depends on whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin wants a rest.
“If I’m Calvert-Lewin, I don’t want a rest, I want to play against [Manchester] United. You beat United, you score, then you’re going into the weekend buoyant. You don’t want to rest in those games.
“Yeah, there might be some rotation going on but if you need to rotate, rotate after 70 minutes. Don’t put me on the bench when I know I’ve got opportunities to score. You’ve got to use that selfish mindset as a striker sometimes.”
Calvert-Lewin has now gone three league games without a goal after blanking against Chelsea, Leicester and Arsenal which is something he will want to remedy during Boxing Day’s clash with Sheffield United.
The Blades defence has conceded 25 goals in 14 games this season and there is no doubt that Calvert-Lewin will be relishing lining up against a poor backline.
However, just two days after the Toffees take on Sheffield United they welcome Manchester City to Goodison Park.
With Chris Wilder’s side bottom of the Premier League and winless this season, could Carlo Ancelotti field a weakened side against the Blades as he prepares for a vital game against the Citizens?
Squad management is crucial at this stage in the season and overplaying Calvert-Lewin could lead to fatigue or worse, injury.
This needs to be avoided at all costs with Everton’s main man holding the key to challenging for a top-four finish this season.
In other Everton news, Neville Southall has hailed Ancelotti for the Blues’ recent improvement.