David Moyes makes ‘tough love’ admission after Calvert-Lewin Everton talks
David Moyes thinks Dominic Calvert-Lewin might be in need of some “tough love” after speaking with the Everton striker following the win over Tottenham.
Calvert-Lewin opened the scoring as the Toffees defeat Spurs 3-2 at Goodison Park last weekend (19 January) for just his third Premier League goal of the campaign.
Moyes believes Calvert-Lewin could have scored more in that victory and said he has had a few home truths with the 27-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
In quotes reported by the Daily Mirror’s print edition (25 January, page 66), Moyes said: “I have seen a difference in him. There’s just a wee bit more eye of the tiger.
“He was rightly praised for his performance at the weekend. I was still saying he should have probably scored a couple more, we talked about that as well.
“Maybe we need a wee bit of tough love with him. He needs to be told, but also given the confidence and shown what he can do, he’s got all the capabilities.
“If I’m a centre forward, I wouldn’t be complaining about the opportunities the team have made him in the last couple of games. He’s been given three or four really big chances. He’s taken one, we’d like him to take more.”
David Moyes still has Dominic Calvert-Lewin decision at Everton
It was great to see Calvert-Lewin back on the scoresheet last weekend and it felt like there was a collective sigh of relief when the 27-year-old was back among the goals for Everton.
No one has ever really doubted Calvert-Lewin’s talent nor the fact that when he is on song Everton are just a better team when he’s fit and firing.
But there have been legitimate questions asked about his goalscoring record and there will be hope that he can have a new lease of life under Moyes after being shackled somewhat when featuring under predecessor Sean Dyche.
That said, he is out of contract in the summer and Moyes will need to decide whether he wants to convince him to stay or look for new attacking alternatives.
If he is scoring regularly then he is a huge asset but he now needs to prove he is capable of being that player once again.
In other Everton news, Chelsea made an “ultimatum” over Armando Broja as a new offer is proposed.
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