BIG-D IS THE NEW BIG-D
Dominic is Goodison’s new air commander... following in slipstream of Everton warhead Ferguson
DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN has a leap which Leon Osman hasn’t seen at Everton since Duncan Ferguson was in a Toffees shirt.
The ex- Blues midfielder knows Calvert-Lewin is learning from the former striker who is now his coach at Goodison.
The 23-year-old has scored 11 Premier League goals so far, including four with his head.
And his ability in the air has brought back memories for Osman of aerial master Ferguson in his Everton pomp.
Osman was just starting out at the club when Ferguson returned to Goodison from Newcastle in 2000.
“I was fortunate enough to see Duncan when he first joined Everton and the leap he had on him was amazing,” Osman said.
“I’m not sure I’ve seen anyone able to jump that high with that agility since. Now when I see Dominic in full flow, it’s a good combination to have.
“Dunc can give his experience, in how to look after yourself in the area, where to get your goals, positions to pull to, it’s a match that is working.”
Calvert-Lewin has scored 16 goals this season, including two for England. There is no doubt he is good enough to be leading the line for the Toffees and he is also learning from boss Carlo Ancelotti.
“He’s no longer finding himself outside of the area when crosses are coming in, he’s no longer doing all of his hardest work in positions he can’t score,” said Osman.
“He gets into the 12-yard area where he is able to score. He has spoken to Ancelotti about onetouch finishes or where he will be most effective, he’s listened and learned.”
Calvert-Lewin (with Ancelotti, below) will go head-tohead with Leicester ace Jamie Vardy tonight when the Foxes visit Goodison Park.
Vardy trails the Everton striker by just one goal in the race for the Golden Boot.
Osman (inset) added: “If you went back 20 years or so imagine those two as a front two together? They would be near unstoppable. You would have your height, ability in the air, strength, pace, intelligence, all within the two players.
“In modern day football when you play up top on your own, they’ve both done incredibly well. Jamie Vardy likes to play on the shoulder and spin in behind, it’s up to his team- mates to play the passes into him which they have done. “You look at getting the best out of Calvert-Lewin, most of his goals have been one-touch finishes from crosses and cut backs so that is how Everton have got the best out of him.”