Michael Brown has made a rather big claim that Duncan Ferguson has been key to the transformation of Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Everton.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Leeds midfielder talked about the positive impact that the former Toffees striker had on Calvert-Lewin when he was briefly in charge at Goodison Park before the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti, saying:

“I must say, when Duncan Ferguson was the boss he sort of stood up for him in times of difficulty, backed him and now that bit of confidence has certainly looked good.

“I think it was a big turning point. There was that uncertainty whether he played, whether he didn’t, what type of role – Duncan Ferguson just said this is where you are, you’re my man up front, give him that confidence by coming out and saying it.

“He’s not looked back, has he?”

Calvert-Lewin was not prolific before Ferguson

Prior to 2019/20 when Ferguson took charge midway through the campaign after the sacking of Marco Silva, Calvert-Lewin only managed to score 17 goals in 93 games in all competitions for the Merseyside club (Transfermarkt).

However, in Ferguson's first match in charge of the Toffees against Chelsea last December, the future England international scored twice, suggesting that the 48-year-old had an immediate impact on Calvert-Lewin.

Calvert-Lewin is now more prolific

Indeed, Calvert-Lewin has now showed himself to be a prolific striker since the appointments of Ferguson and now Carlo Ancelotti.

Under the Italian so far, the 23-year old has scored no fewer than 18 times in 28 appearances in all competitions (Transfermarkt), proving to be far more prolific than he had been before Ferguson took temporary charge towards the end of 2019.

Calvert-Lewin has now been capped by England

Indeed, Calvert-Lewin has also now been capped by the senior England national team, and if that was not already enough of an honour, he scored on his debut for Gareth Southgate's side against Wales in a friendly for the Three Lions at Wembley this month.

Nonetheless, he has certainly had a transformation at Everton since playing under Ferguson, as Brown claims.

Evertonians, find out which European giant has been linked with a move for Calvert-Lewin here and don't forget to comment below with your views!