Rio Ferdinand slams ‘reckless’ Dominic Calvert-Lewin for Everton v Manchester City
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been slammed by Rio Ferdinand for his “reckless” display in the Toffees Premier League defeat to Manchester City.
Sean Dyche’s side extended their winless run in the Premier League to seven matches on Saturday (10 February) as Erling Haaland’s brace saw the Toffees leave the Etihad Stadium in the relegation zone for another weekend.
The Toffees barely touched the ball as Pep Guardiola’s side dominated possession, but when they did they repeatedly failed to make it count with Ferdinand signalling out Calvert-Lewin for his wasteful performance.
Speaking on TNT Sports on Saturday (10 February, 13:28) he said: “It’s tough up there, being isolated up there on your own against a team and a machine like Man City. When you do get moments, you’re going to get limited amounts of time on the ball, you’ve got to hold it up for your team.
“You’ve got to be able to bring other players into the game a little bit better than he has done, he’s been a little bit careless at times and maybe he’s rushed it at times because he’s not having many touches.
“But listen, if he can get up there and bully the centre-halves, create problems and get set-pieces, he gives them a great opportunity to score.”
Everton need Dominic Calvert-Lewin to help them avoid relegation
When the Toffees were fighting relegation last season, most pundits and supporters pointed to Calvert-Lewin’s absence as the primary reason for Everton’s struggles. But now that he is back, things haven’t changed that much at Goodison.
Dyche’s side doesn’t score enough goals and they need the England international to end this goal drought if they want to avoid the drop into the Championship come the end of the season.
On Saturday, Calvert-Lewin didn’t have a real chance come his way, but he struggled to do anything with the limited possession he had as he repeatedly failed to hold the ball up and let the home side dominate the ball.
Ferdinand’s criticism may be a bit harsh and over the top, but every Everton fan will want to see more from their number nine before the end of the campaign, especially given the lack of alternatives in Dyche’s squad.
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