When you think of strikers, you invariably think about the number of goals they’ve scored. But the number nine role has developed in such a way that simply finding the back of the net isn’t the be-all and end-all. What they can potentially provide outside of just their finishing, can be perhaps even more important.
And whilst Dominic Calvert-Lewin continued his fine recent form with two goals against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon, the 22-year-old proved he is far more than just a goal-scorer. Since the departure of Marco Silva, the Englishman has now struck five times in his last five Premier League games, and newly-appointed manager Carlo Ancelotti will no doubt be very pleased from what he is seeing from his centre-forward.
But what the Italian should be rubbing his hands with glee with, is the knowledge that Calvert-Lewin is showing that he has more to his all-round game. As per Sofascore, his 9.0 match rating was the highest of any player on the pitch on Saturday. And whilst his two goals played a part, the other areas in which he made a vital contribution in also helped significantly.
Despite having the likes of Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson operating behind him, it was Calvert-Lewin who led the team and the match in the most amount of key passes played (5). He also created one other big chance, as he displayed the kind of unselfishness and footballing intelligence that makes him a teammates dream. A lot of centre-forwards can become pre-occupied with trying to find the back of the net themselves.
How much do you really know about the Farhad Moshiri era? Answer 25 simple questions below…
But the 22-year-old showed he is willing to put his team first, and that will be an encouraging sight for Ancelotti. The fact he also led the side in the most amount of duels won too (9) proved he can embrace the defensive aspects of playing up front – the need to press from the front, and hustling lost causes and winning 50/50s.
So whilst understandably his goal-scoring exploits will take the headlines, Calvert-Lewin’s unselfishness will surely be his manager’s biggest delight.
Meanwhile, this Everton transfer target could be a better fit under Carlo Ancelotti than Michael Keane.
