Sky Sports reporter Pete Graves has praised Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin amid strong links – and fan displeasure – over a potential move to Newcastle United this summer.
According to The Telegraph, the Magpies are plotting to make a bid for the 25-year-old in the upcoming transfer window.
Valued at £36m by Transfermarkt, the striker endured a difficult season in Merseyside last term, having missed 16 games due to a fractured toe at the start of the campaign.
Though, he proved a pivotal figure under Frank Lampard in the closing weeks as the Toffees secured their top-flight status, having netted twice in his last three games, including the crucial winning goal in Everton’s famous comeback against Crystal Palace.
Reacting to fans’ displeasure at reports linking the Sheffield-born star to Tyneside, Graves issued a strong response lauding the England international and approving the club’s potential move for him.
The reporter tweeted: “Personal opinion. Nothing more. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is an exceptional footballer. Surprised by some of the negative reaction. One to watch.“
TIF Thoughts on Calvert-Lewin…
The arrival of Calvert-Lewin at St James’ Park could provide Eddie Howe with a lethal aerial threat within the box, who could thus be exploited by the Magpies’ high-flying wingers.
According to FBRef, the striker ranks in the 95th percentile amongst strikers in Europe’s top five leagues for aerial duels won, for which he averages 5.4 a game in the Premier League (via WhoScored), giving plenty of evidence as to why Alan Shearer once said he ‘absolutely batters‘ defenders.
With Calvert-Lewin being hailed by former Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti as a “fantastic striker” and being lauded by Graeme Souness for his ‘sauce’ and ‘swagger’, it is clear to see the striker’s quality.
Certainly, fans may express unrest at his injury record over the past year, but the forward has proven that he’s got what it takes to become a top-level striker, as he notched 16 goals in 33 Premier League games in the 2020/21 season, along with three assists.
If he can get back to full fitness and back to his high performance levels, Howe could well potentially secure one of the signings of the summer.