Dominic Calvert-Lewin has revealed that his injury problems this season forced him “to do a lot of soul searching” as Everton battled to retain their Premier League status without him.
Calvert-Lewin returned to fitness to head in a dramatic winner just five minutes from full-time in Everton’s final home match of the season to complete a 3-2 comeback victory over Crystal Palace and secure the club’s Premier League status.
However, with the England international – who was the Blues’ top scorer with 21 goals in all competitions in 2020/21 – out for over four months from late August to January with a quadriceps injury, the team struggled badly without him.
READ MORE: Noa Lang could be Everton answer to Mohamed Salah as tantalising transfer given backing
READ MORE: Everton fans teased by hummel over new 2022/23 home kit release
Calvert-Lewin played in just 17 of Everton’s 38 Premier League fixtures as the team equalled the unwanted record of recording the lowest equivalent points total in 134 years (set in 2003/04), narrowly avoiding what would have been only the club's third relegation in history and first in 71 years.
Speaking to Notion magazine, Calvert-Lewin explained how his off-the-field interests, helped him through his tough times and said: “Music can be almost a healer to get through difficult periods.
“It’s difficult because first and foremost, I’m a footballer and that’s my bread and butter. Getting injured is the worst thing that can happen and you’re not able to perform.
“So then you just have to kind of sit there and accept what people have to say. And I think it’s forced me this season to do a lot of soul searching and find who I am.”
Calvert-Lewin, who has been making waves in recent months with some bold fashion shoots, teamed up with his dad for his latest session, having been brought together by Braun ahead of Father’s Day this Sunday.
Speaking on how his dad has had a major influence on his career, both at the start, and during more recent times, the 25-year-old said: “Dad called me [after the Homme+ cover] and he was laughing because he was like, ‘you really pushed it this time’. He’ll give me a bit of banter, he’s proud to see me be myself more than anything and be comfortable in my own skin.
“The thing I rate my dad for most is that even in those days (Calvert-Lewin’s father would encourage him as a young boy at try-outs when he was too shy to play), he didn’t shrug off my feelings, he let me feel the vulnerability and that’s what’s made me stronger. My confidence continued to grow – and this plays out off the pitch too with my sense of style and experimenting with my grooming looks.”
When it comes to the issue of his daring fashions – a passion he shares with tea-mate Tom Davies – Calvert-Lewin insists he’s happy to do things his own way. He said: “Just because I’m a footballer, I don’t feel that I have to conform to stereotypes and look a certain way.
“In fact, I love using fashion and grooming as a way to express my individuality and do things differently. If you think about the inspiration for some of the looks [in the Notion shoot], these music legends always pushed the boundaries of boldness. My life is very disciplined in many ways so I welcome the chance to let loose.”
