Michael Ball sings Calvert-Lewin’s praises following Chelsea display

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Former Everton defender Michael Ball has lavished praise on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, branding him ‘a nuisance’ for opposition defenders.

The youngster was selected by Marco Silva to lead the line for the Toffees at Goodison Park against the Blues, and the Englishman put in a good shift as the lone striker.

He may not have scored, but his work rate and aerial threat did not go unnoticed.

Calvert-Lewin has not always convinced but appears to have gained Silva’s trust of late – he has now started five of the last six Premier League games.

He is clearly doing something right and in the eyes of Ball, Calvert-Lewin is justifying Silva’s faith at the moment.

‘A nuisance’

Writing in his column for The Liverpool Echo, Ball – who represented the Toffees from 1996-2001 – said: “Dominic Calvert-Lewin, however, was brilliant for the full 90 minutes. In the first half he was isolated but he was winning the headers just with no-one to pick up the second ball.

“He gave Chelsea’s defenders a torrid time, winning the majority of his battles in the air and just making himself a bit of a nuisance throughout. It was great to see.”

Calvert-Lewin’s involvement in the Richarlison opener – a header won from a corner – means he now has eight goals and one assist across all competitions this term.

He is outperforming Cenk Tosun and has arguably staked his claim to lead the line instead of Richarlison, who could now spend the rest of the season back out wide.

Having previously failed to convince fans of his worth, it seems now could be his time to really make his mark.