World Dom-ination

The rise of Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been a true rags-to-riches story. From being a complete unknown signed from Sheffield United for 1.5 million pounds back in 2016; he has slowly risen through the ranks; first being a player of 'potential' in his early days at Goodison Park; then slowly inserted into the starting line-up; where he has seemingly tried and failed again and again.

Early signs of potential were also dovetailed with moments of misery and pure gloom; as his seeming inability to find the net led to many fans labeling him as "simply not good enough" and a "waste of time". It did not help that Everton went through a particularly dodgy period of form these past few years; with the entire team not really functioning at their best and going through a whole plethora of managerial changes.

Fast forward to today though; and there is no hotter striker on the planet. His form towards the back end of last season was getting good; but this season he has simply been in blistering form coming out of the gates; to the tune of a quite-phenomenal 10 goals in 7 appearances. He has been in such confident form that almost anything he touches is turning to goal. And he has just capped it off (literally) with a debut goal for England against Wales in a friendly.

In fact; his form has been so good that he has just been named the Premier League Player of the Month for Sep 2020; and there have been comparisons to the former AC Milan great Filippo Inzaghi. I think the true turning point of his career came when Carlo Ancelotti was appointed the Everton manager. Unlike many others; Ancelotti saw the greatness in him; and believed in him. Unlike the previous managers; he straight-away proclaimed him his No. 1 striker and put him in the starting line-up. Now; it was no longer a case of 'trying to show me the potential'; it was a case of "I know you have it".

Straight-away you saw the difference in him; and confidence is such an important trait for a striker. Instead of wasting all his energy outside the box; Ancelotti taught him the finer points of being a striker: how to position yourself inside the box; how to work on your first-time finishes; to play to your strengths. And it has made all the difference. The current 4-3-3 formation also seems to work better for him; with talented ball-players such as James Rodriguez & Richarlison alongside him to carry the load and offer him more space; rather than the previous 4-2-3-1 formation where he was isolated upfront and easily zoomed-in by defences.

I actually feel he is quite the complete striker: a marvelous blend of size and speed. At 6'2"; he has got the height & size to be a danger in the air; yet is mobile and quick enough on the ground as well. He is a hardworking lad; willing to chase down defences and run the channels; and his ability to finish instinctively in the box is now making him a real danger upfront.