Patrick Boyland has taken the time to write up about Everton star Dominic Calvert-Lewin and how the club would be lost without him.
The 23-year-old recently signed a new five-year contract with Everton and Boyland has reflected on how far Calvert-Lewin has come in his career.
In his latest feature for The Athletic, Boyland highlights the impressive career arc the young striker has experienced since his youth days with non-league side Stalybridge Celtic, including interest from Manchester City. Calvert-Lewin flourished at the non-league side, who took him on a one-month loan deal from parent club Sheffield United.
The Blades were unsure on the teenager and as a result, they eventually lost him to Everton in 2016 after David Unsworth pushed for the £1.5million move.
Calvert-Lewin has blossomed from a teenage to an untouchable starter in the highest division. Indeed, he currently boasts 13 goals in the Premier League this season, the same amount as Raul Jimenez (via BBC Sport) so the fact Everton were able to get him ahead of City looks hugely important.
The Blues were hit hard when Romelu Lukaku left the club in a £75million move to Manchester United (via BBC Sport). Many have tried to fill the Belgian's boots, with none so much as coming close until Calvert-Lewin. The Yorkshireman is not just good in front of goal either – towering at 6 foot 1, Calvert-Lewin wins an impressive 4.9 aerial duels per match on average, which is way more than the likes of Roberto Firmino who averages 0.8 (via WhoScored).
Furthermore, he's unleashed a total of 65 shots in the Premier League this season which not only puts him in the top 20 but ranks him higher than Son Heung-min and Sadio Mané (via Premier League).
Everton's books are currently bare when it comes to back-up strikers with only Moise Kean a realistic option given Oumar Niasse's lack of action to both the man in question and Richarlison. Kean has scored just one goal this season across 26 appearances (via Transfermarkt) meaning an injury to Calvert-Lewin would spell disaster. His fitness is integral in order for the Toffees to succeed, and any new signings this summer should be bought to aid the No.9.
Considering his 13-goal haul this campaign only for Everton to sit in 12th, it's difficult to imagine where they would be without the striker. With that in mind, Carlo Ancelotti should be looking to build a squad around Calvert-Lewin as they look to push further up the league table next season.
What's your take, Everton fans? How important do you think Dominic Calvert-Lewin is to this side?