Dominic Calvert-Lewin is approaching the final 12 months of his current Everton contract.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is approaching the final 12 months of his current Everton contract.

Tony Cascarino delivers 'Harsh' Dominic Calvert-Lewin verdict amid 'Lonely' Everton season

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Tony Cascarino has protected a "lonely" Dominic Calvert-Lewin after a quiet performance for Everton against Manchester City on Saturday 10 February.

The Toffees forward extended his streak without a goal to 18 matches, last netting against West Ham in a 1-0 victory in October. He only has three goals to his name this season.

However, the former Aston Villa striker believes that Calvert-Lewin's situation is a "harsh one to judge him on" amid a struggling season at Goodison Park.

Speaking via talkSPORT on Sunday (11 February, 6:10am), Cascarino said: "Calvert-Lewin has played a really lonely role for quite a long time.

"I know his numbers aren't great and his injuries have played a big part, but Calvert-Lewin gets more isolated than any other Premier League striker I can think of. That's a tough gig.

"He works his socks off and gets half-chances. Has he missed some sitter? Not really. It's a harsh one to judge him on because it's a tough gig."

Tough situation at Everton

One of the most important aspects of becoming a star striker in the Premier League is the service given to you by your teammates. That was on show for Everton as Erling Haaland scored twice at Goodison Park on Saturday, with Kevin De Bruyne being substituted on to deliver a ball on a plate to him.

Even despite his long absence from the squad due to injury, the Norwegian record-breaker already has 16 goals in 18 league appearances this season. In comparison to this, Calvert-Lewin has only been able to record three goals.

Everton
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has struggled to make the desired impact.

When midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure is the club's top scorer, there is a clear problem that needs fixing. But with Everton's current issues with FFP and the threat of relegation, January was not the time to bring in a new striker.

There will still be hope that the 26-year-old can turn his form around before the end of the season, especially if he can avoid any more injuries. The Toffees will certainly need him if the club is to avoid relegation to the Championship.

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