Calvert-Lewin leaves Everton looking to escape xG nightmare

Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin revealed on Sunday that he would be leaving Everton as a free agent after nine years at the club - and the 28-year-old will hope to reverse the unwanted expected goals trend that has afflicted his game over the past two seasons. 

Calvert-Lewin joined the Toffees as a teenager in August 2016 and went on to score 71 goals in 274 goals for the Merseysiders - netting an impressive 16 strikes during the 2020/21 Premier League campaign. 

The imposing forward has struggled with injuries throughout his time with the Blues, however, and the goals have dried up in recent seasons - Calvert-Lewin only bagging three top flight goals last term in 26 appearances. 

What is particularly worrying for 'DCL' - who won his 11th and last cap for England at Euro 2020 - is that he has been one of the Premier League's biggest under-performers against his expected goals numbers over the past two seasons. 

Back in 2023/24, Calvert-Lewin scored seven goals from 13.73 xG (an under-performance of -6.73 xG) with only Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez (-7 xG) clocking up a bigger xG shortfall. 

This season, it was more of the same for Calvert-Lewin, who hit three Premier League goals despite taking on shots with a total of 8.67 xG, an under-performance of -5.67 xG. 

It is worth noting that in both seasons, the rangy striker ranked in the Premier League's 'Top 20' for aerial duels won, which underlines the threat he poses opposition defences - but the former Sheffield United academy graduate will hope a change of scene can help him rediscover his eye for goal next season. 

Reports on Monday suggest that Newcastle and Fulham are currently leading the race to land the free agent. 

Calvert-Lewin versus Expected Goals (last two seasons)

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Dominic Calvert-Lewin (@dcl)