Dominic Calvert-Lewin: “At 20 I wasn't ready but I never stopped believing”

Poster boy for attitude and work ethic. I used to think he was just there to run around up front and put pressure on defenders. But that was because our midfield wasn't getting at opposition defences and he was playing on his own.

Ferguson moving Richarliosn up next to him and the Ancelotti signings in midfield mean he can now focus on getting into the 6-yard box. If England can use him in the same way, he'll do well there too. Just reward for constant improvement. Contrast that with Moise Kean's attitude and application!

Just spotted this compilation of all Calvert-Lewin's goals.

It appears of the 30 they show, 27 of them (if I counted correctly) were one-touch – okay, plenty of headers but even so. Apparently, this one-touch stuff is something new, but looks like he's been doing it for a few seasons:

Link

Ian, yes, he's been doing a lot of good stuff for a few seasons. To be honest, I've been gobsmacked, right from the start, at the ridiculous criticism of him from some on here. He's always shown signs of being top-class, imo, and even more so at the moment in the well functioning setup under Ancelotti. He's got the attributes, including the predatory instincts of a striker, to be world class.

Stan, these are just the league...

To be fair, he has also missed a few chances along the way which doesn't help when reviewing his abilities.

Ian, yes, all strikers miss a few, but few strikers score as he has.

Calvert-Lewin has been the surprise of the season so far and I hope it continues into the Liverpool game. I admit I was having my doubts about him last season and to be honest a few others too but Carlo has had an impact without doubt and the lads are now believing in themselves.

The next month of fixtures will see if they have become a real deal and what better way to start it off than a good result against the RS.

Obviously we are all concerned about these international fixtures especially Calvert-Lewin, Yerry Mina and James avoiding any injuries.

Calvert-Lewin has earned his chance especially as Southgate has a habit of picking players after only a few good games but to be honest Calvert-Lewin has shown 100% improvement all round, not just his goals.

Sterling can score goals but is so infuriating at ruining a move when getting into good positions. If he had the brains of a Shearer or Greaves he would have twice as many goals as he has so far in his career.

I hope, when Southgate plays him tonight, he plays him through the centre and not as a wide forward to accommodate Ings. Calvert-Lewin should be the main man challenging Kane, not played out wide just because he can.

Calvert-Lewin confirmed starter v Wales.

Go, Dom.

Keane at centre back.

Pope in for Pickford.

Calvert-Lewin is confounding his critics, myself included, and his game in the area has massively improved.

By his own admission, he needs to work on his long-range shooting and his one-on-ones with goalkeepers. Get those right and he'll be an outstanding striker.

Well doneDCL

The improvement over the last 18 months has been astounding! Absolutely incredible

Well done fella

Dominic always had this in him,now he’s getting plenty of chances from the better players we’ve signed.He was feeding off scraps for the last two seasons.