Everton: Darren Bent lambasts Dominic Calvert-Lewin as Goodison Park exit mooted
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a player who is looking “rusty” and bereft of any confidence, according to Darren Bent.
Calvert-Lewin has now gone 18 games without a goal after his latest blank in the 2-0 loss to Manchester City on Saturday (10 February).
The 26-year-old wasted the only half-chance that fell his way in the game at the Etihad Stadium when lofting the ball over the crossbar.
Speaking on talkSPORT [13 February, 18:48], former Premier League striker Bent said: “When he missed that chance when through the other day, I could have told you because he’s rusty and lacks confidence.
“The 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons were the best two he’s had. Before that six was the most he’d scored. He’s gone back to that. I know injuries have played a part, but he just can’t stay fit and get consistency.”
Asked by co-host Andy Goldstein if a Goodison Park exit would help revive his career, Sky Sports pundit Bent added: “Maybe. But he has to stay fit and get some momentum going.”
Calvert-Lewin struggling for form at Goodison Park
Calvert-Lewin’s injury problems may be a thing of the past, but there is no doubt that he is a man bereft of confidence right now.
Sean Dyche has persisted with the England international, despite his goalless run stretching back to October.
Not only is Calvert-Lewin not scoring, he is also not really creating much as he has just two assists in his 18-game scoreless streak.
In fairness, he was unfortunate not to have been credited with a goal in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham earlier this month.
Against Man City, he even struggled to hold up the ball when it came to him, raising the question of whether Dyche should have used someone else.
The problem, of course, is a lack of other options. The hope is that Calvert-Lewin will soon come good, and it may well be that a goal helps to set him on his way.
In other Everton news, a Toffees player is reportedly now being monitored by a number of clubs.
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