Dominic Calvert-Lewin has revealed the “closeness” he feels with Everton and the Club’s fans, as he underlined his pride wearing the Blues’ legendary number nine shirt.
The striker, who joined Everton from Sheffield United in 2016, signed a new five-year contract with the Toffees last month.
The 23-year-old penned the deal in the midst of prolific run of form, having hit eight goals in 11 Premier League matches before football was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Calvert-Lewin explained how the loyal backing of Evertonians has helped inspire his consistently impressive centre-forward performances.
He said: “The best thing about playing for Everton is how close it feels as a club.
“Good or bad, you can feel how much it means to the fans.
“As a player, I understand what it means to play for the Club and to wear the number nine, and I do that with pride.”
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Calvert-Lewin has hit 15 goals in total this season. Allied to his goalscoring threat, his potent mix of speed, skill and intelligent link-up play had seen him heavily tipped for first a senior England call-up before football’s enforced break.
He detailed how his dedication as a youngster provided a foundation to reach the heights he has scaled this season.
“From as early back as I can remember, I always wanted to play football,” he added. “I lived and breathed it.
“Everything I did revolved around football and my family helped me get to where I am today.
“If I was to give a tip to any young player, it would be to always believe in yourself.
“And any experience you have, whether good or bad, to try to learn from it, take it in your stride and become a better player and person from that.”
Calvert-Lewin added Everton captain Seamus Coleman’s character, application and desire has provided an ideal reference point during his time at Everton.
“In terms of how to conduct myself as a professional, Seamus has been a great example,” he said.
In a Q&A on Instagram, Calvert-Lewin was also asked to select his favourite goal and pinpointed his opening effort in Everton’s 3-1 win over Chelsea in December as a cherished moment.
“It was when Big Dunc took charge for the first time,” he explained. “I scored two, but I’ll go with the first one.
“The size of the game, the pressure of it… the emotion I felt when I scored was top drawer.”
Calvert-Lewin was also asked to provide suggestions for television series to watch during lockdown. He revealed he is enjoying The Last Dance, a Netflix documentary focused on the Chicago Bulls during Michael Jordan’s time at the NBA franchise.
“It’s a great show for any sportsperson to watch and I’d recommend it,” he added.
