DUNC
EVERTON’S Dominic CalvertLewin is always just a YouTube click away from learning about the legendary Premier League strikers he aspires to be.
Thierry Henry and Didier Drogba are names that feature prominently in his online search history, along with Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero.
But when it came to getting the practical advice on how to establish himself in Marco Silva’s team, it was the presence of Goodison cult hero Duncan Ferguson (right) on the firstteam coaching staff that has helped him most.
At 21, Calvert
Lewin wants to del iver on the promise that saw him help England become world champions at Under-17 level two years ago. That means keeping his eyes and ears open. He said: “If I watch anyone on YouTube it’s Henry and Drogba. As a young kid, one of my heroes was always Henry – he was a top player.
“There was also Drogba. He had a little bit of everything. He could finish and had strength and pace. I believe that I can bring all those aspects to my game.
“There are also top players now in the Premier League, like Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero.
“Watching YouTube and being able to model your game on players like that has had a big effect on young players.”
Everton’s fans love a centreforward – and Ferguson is cherished at Goodison. CalvertLewin said: “I’ve got Duncan Ferguson every day on the training pitch helping me on my game.
“They are big boots to fill, but it’s a pressure that I like to have because it’s only going to make me a better player.
“Over the last year, having filled out and naturally grown a bit more, with the physical side of the game there’s nobody better to go to than Duncan.
“I have been receiving the ball to feet this season and been more reliable – and I’ve got to thank Dunc for that.”
Everton have slipped into the bottom half of the table, ahead of today’s visit of Bournemouth, and this week owner Farhad Mos h i r i promised to continue backing his manager in the transfer market at the club’s AGM.
So Calvert- Lewin knows the pressure will be on him to deliver. He has seen youth international team-mates move abroad to get regular first-team football.
But, at the moment, he has no regrets. He said: “You look at Jadon Sancho and Reiss Nelson now in the Bundesliga.
“It’s paying off for them because they’re getting exposed to first-team football.
“The Premier League is so competitive. Strikers can be brought in for X amount of pounds and it might block your pathway as a young player.
“But, on a personal note, it’s nice to be back in the Everton team. And it is a decent foundation to build on.”