'He knows that' - James Tarkowski shuts down Dominic Calvert-Lewin claim after Everton missed chance

James Tarkowski has backed Dominic Calvert-Lewin to end a frustrating run in front of goal and doesn't believe the forward is suffering from a lack of confidence.

Calvert-Lewin’s struggles in front of goal continued against Aston Villa at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon. The forward wasted Everton’s best chance during the 0-0 draw, which left them one point above the drop zone.

Racing onto Arnaut Danjuma ’s fine through ball, the England international had time to compose himself and pick his spot. But instead of putting his side ahead, he fired straight at Emiliano Martinez.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored just one goal in his last 16 matches, with his last strike coming in an away win at West Ham United in October. But team-mate Tarkowski has backed the striker to put his bad run behind him.

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“He wants to score goals more than anyone else and we all know that,” the Everton centre-back said post-match when asked about Calvert-Lewin. "But he is a really important player for us and he understands that. He does a lot of work that maybe goes unnoticed.

“The goals will come and I know they will. I have told him that already and he knows that. It is just about back out on that pitch and getting a goal."

Asked if he feels the 26-year-old is lacking in confidence, Tarkowski replied: “I don’t see that. When he is going through, I expect him to score, and I know he does. Maybe once he misses, everyone is like, 'he looks a little low on confidence'. He is working ever so hard, and as I have said, he is an important player for us, and he knows that."

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