Noel Whelan has claimed the “boring” style at Everton is stifling “one of the best strikers in the Premier League” in Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 25-year-old is “not getting into the right areas” because of Frank Lampard’s counter-attacking style.
Calvert-Lewin made his first start of the season during the 1-0 loss against Newcastle on Wednesday (19 October) but failed to affect the game.
As per Sofascore, he registered just 26 touches in 73 minutes and managed just one shot off target – while the Toffees as a whole completed just three of their eight attempted crosses.
Frank Lampard’s side have failed to manage a shot on target in each of their last two top-flight fixtures.
Everton sit 15th in the table after losing their last three games.
Whelan insisted Lampard must “play to the strengths” of Calvert-Lewin as he returns to fitness at Goodison Park.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “They play a boring style of football. I don’t think anyone would disagree.
“They’re not easy on the eye, they’re very defensive-minded – that takes away from the quality they have up front.
“They’re a counter-attacking side, but sometimes you must branch out and play to your strengths.
“Calvert-Lewin is one of the best strikers in the Premier League, but he didn’t get the service against Newcastle.
“He’s not getting into the right areas because of the system in place.
“When I look at their forward line, I think they have got the players to be a bit more dangerous in attack – whether at home or away.”