When Everton signed Dominic Calvert-Lewin in 2016, they hoped that he would develop into a top-quality striker. However, he seemed destined to be an average player, scoring just 11 goals in his first three years at the club.
But then, the Toffees appointed Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian immediately seemed to click with the Englishman as Calvert-Lewin put away 13 goals in their first season of working together.
And he’s only gotten better this season. He has scored seven goals in his first five games, which included a Premier League hattrick.
Carlo Ancelotti Has Helped Dominic Calvert-Lewin Blossom Into a Top Player
Everton Are Playing to Calvert-Lewin’s Strengths
Calvert-Lewin has an amazing jumping ability. The 23-year-old’s aerial ability is proven by a goal that he scored against Liverpool in last week’s Merseyside derby.
The England international leapt over the Red’s defence to score a perfect header. Since the start of last season, he has put away seven-headed goals – the most of any Premier League player.
And Ancelotti really makes use of Calvert-Lewin’s ability with his favoured 4-4-2 formation. This system allows Everton’s talented crossers of the ball, such as full-back Lucas Digne, the opportunity to put in delicious passes.
It also doesn’t hurt Everton that James Rodriguez has the freedom to drift in Ancelotti’s system. This allows the Colombian to pop up in pockets of space and pick out the ideal ball. Often, Rodriguez’s magical left foot has found Calvert-Lewin in the perfect position.
Finally, the system partners Calvert-Lewin with Richarlison. The maverick striker is a good player who inevitably attracts defenders’ attention, which gives Calvert-Lewin more space to operate.
Ancelotti Gets the Best Out of His Players
There’s hardly a player who doesn’t love Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian has managed some of the world’s biggest teams and players, and their admiration for him is near-unanimous.
This is what Cristiano Ronaldo said about the Italian. “Mr Ancelotti was an unbelievable surprise. In the beginning, I thought he was more a tough person, kind of arrogant, and it was the opposite,” Ronaldo told ESPN.
“He’s like a big bear, I can say. He’s a cute guy, such a sensitive person. He spoke with us every day. Not just with me but with all the players. He had fun with us.
“He’s an unbelievable person. I just wish every player could have an opportunity to work with him because he’s a fantastic guy, a fantastic coach and I miss him a lot because we won many trophies together. And I wish to work with him one day again. But now I’m good. I have a new coach, and I’m happy too, but it’s great. I have good memories.”
And, Ancelotti is proving once again that his personality seems to get the best out of everyone, and for Everton, this is shown in the development of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
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