Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that the form of striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has taken him by surprise.
The Englishman took his goals tally for the season to eleven after netting in his side’s 1-1 draw with Burnley.
Calvert-Lewin’s form has taken many by surprise. Before this season, he was strongly criticized for his goal-scoring rate. Some even questioned whether he was good enough to lead the line for the Toffees.
Calvert-Lewin couldn’t even be considered for a place in the England squad before the start of the 2020-21 season. However, his form this season means that the probability is high that he will be selected to play for England at the rescheduled European Championships next summer.
If he can maintain good form, he may stand a chance of eventually succeeding Harry Kane as England’s first-choice number nine.
“It is important for him to have consistency,” Ancelotti said as quoted by The Liverpool Echo.
“He is a fantastic striker. Honestly, I didn’t expect this kind of consistency to score goals. At least every game he has scored goals, this is really important for us. He really improved in the box, the movement he has in the box is, really, outstanding.
“He is a big surprise, and I hope he will be a surprise until the end of the season.”
Speaking on Friday ahead of the game with Burnley, Ancelotti highlighted the areas of Calvert-Lewin’s game that need improving.
“For a striker, to keep consistency is scoring goals,” he said.
“So I know he is going to have moments where he is not going to score as frequently, like he does in this moment, but for a striker he has continuity to score goals.
“[He can do] more outside the box, controlling the ball, he can be more clinical. But it is not easy because they mark him powerfully but there he can improve.”
