Everton striker Calvert-Lewin rejects Dele All doubts

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Everton striker Calvert-Lewin rejects Dele All doubts

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin insists Dele Alli will shake a slow start to his Goodison Park career.

Alli has been limited to six appearances off the bench since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in the closing hours of the winter transfer window.

“Dele has settled really well and is working hard every day in training," Calvert-Lewin told evertonfc.com.

“He has everything: athleticism, technique, aggression, he is big and tall and strong.

“It [Everton move] is a platform for him to rebuild his confidence and showcase what he is about.

“Everyone knows what Dele is capable of – perhaps the criticism comes from frustration because people know what he can do.

“He has played for England and in the Champions League and scored against Real Madrid.

“Those things load expectation onto his shoulders but he is big enough and old enough and strong enough to accept that and rise to the challenge."

The striker continued: “We are a similar age and I chat with him a lot, at breakfast and at lunch.

“He is not used to being up north, so he's settling into his new surroundings, but he is enjoying it.

“People like to build someone up, then when they get there, tear them down.

“I respect his mental toughness and resolve to deal with that pressure.

“And I respect his decision to come here and take that risk to show people what he is about.

“I have no doubt he can do that and when he gets his opportunity, he will take it.

“People will always talk, no matter who you are and where you come from. I respect his mental toughness and I back him."