James Garner reveals what Dominic Calvert-Lewin told him after 3-0 Everton v Bournemouth, shares goals prediction
Everton midfielder James Garner reveals that Dominic Calvert-Lewin was “gutted” that he didn’t get on the scoresheet in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth.
Goals from Garner, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Jack Harrison ensured the Toffees secured their first home victory of the campaign and the first time they scored more than two goals in 17 games under Sean Dyche.
And Toffees striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin put in another inspirational performance upfront despite not getting on the scoresheet and Garner reveals that the England international told him he was trying “a bit too hard to score”.
Speaking to Liverpool Echo (10 October), the former Manchester United man said: “We missed him last season, and it’s a huge confidence boost having him back in the side.
“He didn’t get his goal, but his all-round performance helped us. I was just speaking to him then.
“He was gutted he didn’t get his goal and gutted he came off because he said he was maybe trying a bit too hard to score. His goals will come. If he keeps on performing, then I think they’ll fly in.”
Back to fitness and form
Calvert-Lewin’s career has, through no fault of his own, taken something of a hit in the last few seasons. Once touted as Harry Kane’s best challenger for the England striker spot, the 26-year-old’s recurring injury woes have certainly put a halt to his development and potential
And that development took a considerable hit last season, especially in an age where he’s expected to reach his prime. As per Transfermarkt, the striker was on the treatment table for a whopping 192 days since the start of last season missing 21 games.
It remains to be seen when he’ll picked for international football again for England but a huge factor in gaining selection is goals, just ask Ollie Watkins and with Calvert-Lewin back to some sort of fitness and routine, Garner is absolutely right the goals will start flying in again.
The Toffees hitman has looked incredibly promising on his return from his latest setback and has already hit two goals in five Premier League games and three in all competitions which should be a source of encouragement for him and manager Sean Dyche.
The former Sheffield United man’s attitude and commitment are admirable and should be in the right frame of mind to fire Everton up the Premier League table again, that’s what he’s always been brought in to do but for the unfortunate injuries.
Calvert-Lewin has hopefully now turned a crucial corner in his career.
In other Everton news, prospective new Everton owners 777 Partners could sanction one senior Goodison Park exit in January after latest transfer news.