Sean Dyche addresses big Everton talking point before showdown v Leeds today
Everton manager Sean Dyche has addressed the “big talking point” surrounding Dominic Calvert Lewin in his programme notes ahead of their clash with Leeds.
Calvert-Lewin was yet again ruled out of the Blues Premier League clash on Saturday afternoon, something that has become an all too usual bit of news for the club’s fanbase.
The striker started the manager’s first game in charge but was withdrawn after an hour as a precautionary measure in light of his numerous fitness problems over the past year.
Calvert-Lewin missed Monday’s Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool, with Ellis Simms chosen to replace him, and Dyche admitted in his press conference that his staff are working hard to address the player’s terrible injury record.
Speaking on his programme notes [18 February] ahead of the crucial encounter with Leeds United, the former Burnley boss addressed the elephant in the room and stated the player is working “diligently” behind the scenes but praised the attitude of the group surrounding the team selection.
He said: “I understand the fitness of Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been a big talking point recently and he’s been working diligently with us on that front.
“But when a player is unavailable, it opens the door for someone else. Ellis Simms gained valuable lessons from the start against Liverpool and I’ve been pleased by the attitude of the whole group in terms of team selection and showing hunger to affect games from the players who have come off the bench in the opening two matches we’ve had together.
“That collective feel we have is very important to us.”
Crunch clash
Dyche is right in that there is simply no time to feel any disappointment regarding Calvert-Lewin’s injury troubles. Indeed, it is frustrating but that’s what the Everton squad is there for.
The Toffees boss believes his side can still perform and win their crucial crunch clash without their key man up front, and whether Simms believes he is up to the task in filling Calvert-Lewin’s shoes, it’s up to him.
The young striker struggled against Liverpool on Monday but should use that match as a learning curve and a tool to improve and better himself in the coming weeks ahead as Dyche looks to utilise the whole squad at his disposal, no matter how limited it is.
The fans will be up for the game at Goodison Park, and the players must match that energy just as they did two weeks ago against Arsenal, if they are to pick up another crucial three points on their own turf.
Home form will be hugely important for Everton if they are to steer themselves out of the relegation picture.