Ancelotti Explains How In-Form DCL Has Elevated His Game

Carlo Ancelotti says “powerful, fantastic striker” Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s burgeoning self-belief and hunger to improve have fuelled his exceptional start to the 2020/21 Premier League season.

Calvert-Lewin hit his first Everton hat-trick in the Blues’ 5-2 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

His treble followed his match-winning bullet header in the Toffees’ triumph at Tottenham Hotspur the previous weekend.

The in-form attacker has flourished under Ancelotti’s leadership, having started 21 of 22 Premier League matches since the Italian’s appointment. Calvert-Lewin has struck 12 goals during that period.

Ancelotti says the Englishman’s performances are testament to his steely determination to improve and his application on the training pitch.

“In this moment he is using his qualities,” Ancelotti told evertontv.

“He is a fantastic, powerful striker in the box and he uses his power to be ready when the opportunity comes.

“He has more confidence, of course.

“He is confident within himself.

“He is professional on the training ground and always focused on improving. He is doing well.”


While Calvert-Lewin’s hat-trick ensured he hit the headlines over the weekend, Richarlison’s performance against West Brom also drew praise from Ancelotti.

The Brazilian’s boundless energy, skilful dribbling and attacking purpose helped drive the Blues forward during the game.

As well as firing in five shots on goal, Richarlison showed his value as a creative force, providing two assists.

His finishing ability was also evident as he rifled a first-time shot into the top corner in the game’s latter stages, only for the strike to be chalked off for offside.

“I am not asking the strikers to score goals – I am asking them to work well,” Ancelotti explained.

“In my opinion, Richarlison played a fantastic game, at the same level of Dominic.

“On the scoresheet there is Dominic, not Richarlison, but in my personal score they are at the top together.”

Richarlison’s South American teammate James Rodriguez was among the scorers, however, as he opened his Everton account in style with a beautifully struck left-footed drive from outside the area.

The goal was the standout moment of a dazzling performance from the Colombian on his Goodison Park debut.

“He is doing well and I’m really happy for this,” Ancelotti said.

“It was a brilliant goal

“I am really pleased for him.

“He is helping the team to have more quality in attack and the team is helping him to adapt quickly.”

Next up for Everton is a Carabao Cup third-round clash with Fleetwood Town on Wednesday night (7.45pm), before the Toffees return to Premier League action three days later at Crystal Palace.

Ancelotti – who also paid tribute to Seamus Coleman’s “fantastic achievement” in recording his 250th top-flight start against West Brom – says his team’s next challenge is to maintain their high levels of performance for an extended period.

“If you want to be in a good position in the table, consistency is the most important part of our job,” he added.

“The consistency arrives when you have confidence, you have knowledge and you believe.

“In this moment, the team believes they can compete.

“We started well in the Premier League but we have to keep going.”

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02:26

HAT-TRICK HERO CALVERT-LEWIN ON 'MASSIVE' WIN

Striker reflects on first treble for Everton.