Leon Osman claims Everton ace Calvert-Lewin misses Lucas Digne ‘massively’
Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman has spoken on Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s recent goal struggles, citing the absence of Lucas Digne as a key outlier.
After drawing a blank in Friday’s 1-0 loss to West Ham at Goodison Park, Calvert-Lewin is now on a six-game barren run, stretching back to December 5 when he scored past Burnley’s Nick Pope.
While Everton’s results have not dipped massively, with four wins out of six after that 1-1 draw at Turf Moor, their goalscoring record has taken a downturn, with just six goals in as many games.
As reported by Liverpool Echo, Osman has defended Calvert-Lewin and believes the return of a key player might change matters. He said: “I don’t think [Calvert-Lewin] has been missing opportunities. He has been in the right areas.
“Everton have concentrated more on nicking results and are not creating as much. He has missed Lucas Digne massively.”
The good news for Calvert-Lewin and Everton fans is that Digne was pictured back in light training on December 31, and his return appears to be forthcoming.
Digne’s deliveries vital to Everton attacks
It is no secret that Calvert-Lewin is especially deadly in the air, and to prove his abilities he relies on regular and quality service into the penalty area.
With Digne, Everton have that in abundance. The French international is top of the charts for volume of crosses in the Premier League, sending in 6.4 per 90 (WyScout).
He also ranks in the top ten for accuracy, with 38.89%. This shows Digne is giving frequent service while maintaining the quality of it, exemplifying why he is considered to be among the best in his position, and an efficient source of goals.
Digne’s four assists this season come at a rate of 0.47 per 90, second only to Harry Kane’s rate (0.59).
Three of the 27-year-old’s assists in the Premier League this season have been for Calvert-Lewin, against Fuham, Liverpool and Tottenham.
Clearly, there is substance to Osman’s theory, and a sentiment agreed with by most Everton fans.
Digne hold’s the key to Calvert-Lewin’s productivity, and do not be surprised if his return brings about another flurry of goals for the England striker, to help propel the Toffees into the European spots this season.
In other Everton news, our view on why Carlo Ancelotti must drop this midfielder.