With Everton’s takeover now nearing completion, positivity is once again rife around Goodison Park.
Saturday’s home clash with Crystal Palace really promises to be a fine atmosphere in response to all the news that has emerged throughout this week already.
However, once the Premier League ratifies Dan Friedkin’s Everton takeover, only then will the real work will truly begin.
And, there are so many loose ends that they will have to tie up before they can even begin to start forging the brighter future they will want for the Toffees.
Dan Friedkin should offer Dominic Calvert-Lewin new Everton contract
One outstanding issue that certainly needs resolving is the contract situation on Merseyside, with an alarming statistic having revealed that just 12 first-team players are actually tied down to remain at the club following this campaign.
Some exits will be welcomed, but there are also others that are far from desired.
One outstanding example of this is Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who would be the most notable departure were he to leave for free this summer.
Once touted for big money, his stock has fallen dramatically in recent years following a loss of form and fitness.
However, he remains an integral player for Everton and Sean Dyche.
That is what makes it all the more frustrating that Calvert-Lewin refuses to sign a new contract with the club. Hopefully, Dan Friedkin can now solve this issue.
Everton are a worse team without Dominic Calvert-Lewin
It’s quite evident why Calvert-Lewin is so important for Everton when viewing who the alternative would be were he to depart.
And whilst Youssef Chermiti proved himself a capable marksman in brief flashes at the back end of last season, Beto has already shown enough to write off his chances of usurping the Englishman.
After all, the former Udinese forward joined last summer to much acclaim, having just hit double figures in the Serie A.
He was backed to maintain such form in England, yet it quickly became clear that he lacked the necessary finesse to help keep the Toffees’ team glued together.
His chaotic brand of football might work better for a side that presses higher and takes more risks, but when playing under Dyche, who likes to retain a rigid shape and build off the target play of a tall striker, he suffers.
Far from proficient with his hold-up play, he does win plenty of flick-ons, but is nowhere near as good as Calvert-Lewin at gathering and retaining possession.
His brief cameos this season, particularly against AFC Bournemouth and Southampton in the Carabao Cup, exhibited a clear failure to calm proceedings by bringing others into play whilst under the cosh or without possession.
To compare, against Aston Villa Jamie Carragher even branded Calvert-Lewin ‘outstanding’ live on Sky Sports, commending a ‘great centre-forward display’ from the 27-year-old in their recent defeat to Aston Villa.
For this reason, Everton are quite clearly a far worse team without Calvert-Lewin, hence why he has earned a new deal.
