Dominic Calvert-Lewin wants to emulate Harry Kane for Everton
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is well aware of the steps he needs to take to become an elite centre-forward for Everton and boost his international chances for England.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a stunning season for the Blues with a tally of 13 goals from 24 Premier League appearances evidence of his transformation into one of the division’s deadliest goalscorers.
But Calvert-Lewin knows he needs to add more to his general play to rise in the striker ranks and establish himself as England’s number one, as he made clear in an interview with Sky Sports.
He said: “I think I want to become more rounded, I want to keep honing my skills and fine-tuning the qualities that I have.
“For me, when I don’t score goals, it’s about affecting games like I have been doing more often than not.”
Calvert-Lewin was questioned as to whether adding goals from further out, like Kane does for Tottenham Hotspur, would see him put pressure on the England captain.
“I think so yeah. It’s adding different goals to my game now. I’ve shown that I can be lethal in the six-yard box and get on the end of crosses and things like that but adding another string to my bow is what I am always looking to try and do.”
Key creative difference
There is certainly more to Calvert-Lewin than just pure goals. He is our focal point and the one we can turn to when the team is struggling for possession.
His physical abilities mean he can hold off even the strongest of defenders and that is vital in ensuring our midfielders can get up the pitch.
Calvert-Lewin is also a beast in the air – according to Wyscout he competes in 9.91 aerial duels per 90 which is the seventh-highest total in the Premier League.
But one of the biggest differences between him and Kane at the moment, aside from the long-range goals, is the ability to create for others – Calvert-Lewin’s xA in the league this season is just 0.05, nearly a quarter of Kane’s 0.17.
Calvert-Lewin has recorded zero actual assists while the Spurs striker has 12 – the difference is palpable.
Obviously both play different roles for their side as Kane drops deeper while Calvert-Lewin is the main focal point but it shows the levels the Everton forward needs to reach if he wants to be held in the same regard.
His comments hint that perhaps he could be destined for a slightly altered role in the future if he can prove his worth as a complete forward in the same vein as Kane.
In other Everton news, see our exclusive interview with Kevin Campbell for his view on Alex Iwobi v Chelsea.