Dominic Calvert-Lewin says every facet of his game has improved under the meticulous guidance of manager Marco Silva.
Forward Calvert-Lewin started Everton’s past 10 matches and, despite being ruled out of Sunday's contest at Tottenham Hotspur after picking up a knock in training this week, he is promising the Blues will perform with “no fear” in north London.
The 22-year-old’s bullish outlook is indicative of a player high on confidence after his substantial contribution to a run which has seen Everton claim 20 points from the past 30 available.
He scored eight goals and assisted three in 22 starts in all competitions this season. Significantly, Calvert-Lewin played his football as an out-and-out striker, settling into his preferred position after filling a variety of roles following his arrival from Sheffield United in August 2016.
“I’ve learned a lot this season, it has probably been my biggest learning curve of them all,” said Calvert-Lewin.
“I played a lot last season but, in terms of learning and being switched on, the manager has helped me do that in all areas of my game.
“As we get to the end of the season, I’ve been putting in better performances and I don’t think that’s a coincidence.
“I have to thank the manager because at this level it’s the fine details which can help you improve and reach where you want to be.
“He is very intense in his work on the training pitch and pays attention to detail on a lot of things”
Former Sporting Lisbon boss Silva has overseen a marked improvement in Everton’s fortunes since taking charge last summer.
The bare numbers show Everton have scored more goals and conceded fewer than in 2017-18. Their 53-point total, with one match remaining, is four more than last term’s 49-point haul.
As much as anything, however, it is the expressive brand of football employed by Everton's manager which is generating a buzz of excitement around L4.
Last month’s 4-0 thumping of Manchester United perhaps most accurately illustrated the model Silva is working to implement.
Everton routinely sliced open their opponents, sustained a furious pace and were assured in defence on the way to clocking up one of eight clean sheets in their past 10 games.
Chelsea and Arsenal have also been defeated of late, an extended run without beating any of the Premier League's current top six convincingly banished.
And Calvert-Lewin wants success against another of that number when Everton visit Tottenham’s revamped White Hart Lane home this weekend.
“We have nothing to fear after the recent performances we put in against top-six sides,” said Calvert-Lewin.
“We had that statistic of not beating one of these sides for a long period... then we have beaten three.
“What have we got to fear? We know what we are capable of and we have to be confident going into the match.
“I’ve definitely sensed a shift in the momentum and atmosphere, especially at Goodison. It’s a massive help.
“The Everton fans are passionate football supporters so when we are perhaps not performing as well as we’d like on the pitch, they feel it. As we started to put in the good performances, they gave it back and it became a momentum-builder.”
Calvert-Lewin had his pre-season disrupted by a back problem and needed a period early in the campaign to get up to speed.
He was used intermittently by Silva before establishing himself as first-choice striker for the season’s closing months.
“I was playing catch-up for large parts but then I had a little run in the team over Christmas and I think I did okay,” added Calvert-Lewin.
“But it’s been this final quarter of the season when my performances have definitely improved, not just in one game but I’d like to think I’ve consistently performed well and helped the team.
“I always believed I could put in the performances I have. I’ve had a run in the team and that was what I wanted. I’d like to think I’ve taken my chance.
“I’m critical of myself and there have been times when I could have scored and missed the target. But I am confident I can start to convert those chances and be that main striker for Everton.”
