Everton have next Dominic Calvert-Lewin waiting for his chance
Everton currently have one of the Premier League’s best strikers in Dominic Calvert-Lewin but they could be left short if he leaves Goodison Park.
At 24 years of age, he will surely attract some interest in the summer if he can find the form that saw him called up to the England squad and fire Everton up the league table at the same time.
While most fans would assume that reinvestment would be needed to replace such an important player, there could be a very profitable alternative option.
Playing for the Under-23s side at the moment is 19-year-old Tom Cannon who is beginning to make a claim for senior football already.
He scored both goals, including a fabulous long-range effort on his left foot, in the Under-23s 2-0 win away at Derby in Premier League 2 on Monday (21 February) to take his season’s tally to seven.
That might not sound like many goals considering he bagged 10 for the Under-18s last year as well as 16 the year prior but it is more nuanced than that.
It isn’t just his goal-scoring that likens him to Calvert-Lewin but his all-around game which sees him occupy defenders physically and bring his teammates in, just as the perfect target man should.
Maybe next season is too soon for him to be relied upon as the club’s number one goal threat and a loan in the EFL could do him the world of good but there shouldn’t be any panic if Calvert-Lewin leaves.
It wouldn’t be the worst idea to give some of the youngsters like Cannon a chance late in the season if the Toffees can pick up their form and escape the threat of relegation so Frank Lampard can evaluate the teenage talent at his disposal.
If Cannon goes to League One and starts banging in the goals, as his youth record suggests he could, then Lampard will certainly be taking notice and we may be seeing the 19-year-old celebrating at Goodison Park very soon.
In other Everton news, the club want to sign this Bundesliga player in the summer to bolster their midfield options.