Dom’s big-up to Big Dunc
EVERTON BOURNEMOUTH
DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN has thanked Duncan Ferguson for fast-tracking his development from a kid – to leading Everton’s attack.
England Under-20 World Cup winner Calvert- Lewin has the faith of Goodison boss Marco Silva after starting five of Everton’s last six games.
And as the Blues take on Bournemouth today, the 21-yearold insists he owes plenty to Everton legend Ferguson for helping to take his game to the next level.
Calvert-lewin said: “Everton have had some famous No.9s and they’re big boots to fill. I’ve got Duncan Ferguson every day with me on the training pitch helping me on my game.
“It’s a pressure that I quite like and I think that I can grow into, and it’s only going to make me a better player. Over the last year, h having i filled fill d out t a little littl bit and d naturally grown a bit more, with the physical side of the game, there’s nobody better to go to than Duncan.
“That was his game really – aerially and with his back to goal.
“And maybe I think probably a part of me receiving the ball to feet this season and being more reliable, I’ve got to thank Big Dunc for that.”
Shoulders
Calvert- Lewin has been keeping £27million Turkey and former Besiktas star Cenk Tosun out of the side.
And he admits his mindset has changed with the responsibility of leading Everton’s front line.
Asked at what age he stops being a kid, Calvert-lewin said: “Now! I think you have to be that way when you’re leading the line for Everton.
“You’ve got to grow into your shoes and carry that weight on your shoulders. If you still believe you’re a young kid, it’s hindering m me. So if I’m bi big enough no h to b be exposed in that situation then I’m old enough to take whatever comes with it – that’s the way I kind of see it.”
As his game continues to expand the Sheffield- born star has revealed his idols were Thierry Henry and Didier Drogba – and he studies Youtube clips of them for tips.
“As a young kid, one of my heroes was always Thierry Henry,” he said. “I think you’d agree that he was a top player.
“He was always someone that I looked up to and one of my idols when growing up.
“There was also Didier Drogba. Watching him in the Premier League, I think he had a little bit of everything. He could finish and had strength and pace. He had every aspect to his game.
“I’d like to think I’m learning that too. With exposure on the pitch and experience, I believe that I can bring all those aspects to the game. If I was going to watch anyone on Youtube it would o ld b be H Henry nr and nd Dro Drogba. b
“There are top players now in the Premier League like Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero that are doing it now.
“Having Youtube and being able to model your game on players like that and watch very closely has had a big effect on young players now expressing themselves on the pitch.”
Pathway
While Calvert-lewin is more than happy to be a young player getting his chance in the Premier League, he respects Jadon Sancho and on- loan Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson who are lighting up the Bundesliga.
He said: “The Premier League is a competitive league where strikers can be brought for X amount of pounds and it might block your pathway.
“To go abroad, if it gives you the opportunity to play at the highest level in that country then I think it’s a no-brainer.”