No striker arrival confirms Everton’s plan for Dominic Calvert-Lewin backup

Everton didn’t sign a Dominic Calvert-Lewin backup on deadline day meaning Ellis Simms and Cenk Tosun could be in line for backup roles if required.

Moise Kean left Everton on loan one day before the European transfer deadline day. Fans expected the Toffees to sign a striker who could act as a backup to Dominic Calvert-Lewin with AFC Bournemouth attacker Joshua King the most anticipated option. King was linked to the Toffees all summer with reports on deadline day 2.0 even suggesting that a late bid could be on the cards.

The Cherries were open to letting the Norwegian go in order to lighten the load on the wage budget, however, no offers arrived on the table. Everton not signing a striker who could provide backup to Dominic Calvert-Lewin points at only one direction. The Royal Blues are set to trust Ellis Simms and Cenk Tosun, in case, there is an absolute need for a striker.

Calvert-Lewin is flying right now. The Englishman seems to be on another planet, scoring goals for fun at this point. He scored a breathtaking header which was Everton’s equalizer against Liverpool, taking his goal tally to 10 goals in 7 games. The 23 year old also became the first player since Tommy Lawton in 1938-39 to score goals in first 5 league games, breaking a 82 year old record.

It must be understood and accepted that Calvert-Lewin can’t keep performing at the same level for 50 odd games a season. There may be dips in form due to fatigue, injury or simply overworking.

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In order to avoid such a worst case scenario, rotation will have to be done. Starting secondary strikers in cup games or substituting DCL in games where the victory has already been guaranteed before the final whistle is a way to keep the 23 year old fresh and blazing.

Cenk Tosun is currently recovering from his ACL injury and could be declared fit by November. He has started light training sessions and could soon be in contention for team selection.

It is true, Tosun hasn’t lived up to the hype he generated when he arrived from Turkey. The Turk has failed to replicate the poacher type form he had at Besiktas but is still a valuable backup to have.

Ellis Simms could be the other option to look forward to if the situation demands. Everton U-23 coach had made it clear that Ellis Simms won’t be loaned out and will stay at Everton at least till January.

"It’s very similar to what we had with Anthony Gordon last year! You probably hear me screaming at Ellis more than any other player in the team. It’s just a really hard position to play in, as a striker, particularly off-the-ball.He’s a great lad and he’s going to stay with us until January and we’re going to work with him tirelessly (via Liverpool ECHO)"

There is a growing belief that Simms could replicate a similar breakout like Anthony Gordon of last year. Simms is one of the brightest prospects at Finch Farm and his experience with the senior stars will be an immense confidence booster and a steep learning curve.

Ancelotti didn’t name a striker on the bench for the Liverpool game but with Richarlison suspended and no other outright striker available, Simms could see his name on the teamsheet soon.

Not signing a back up to Dominic Calvert-Lewin striker could have hurt the Toffees but the options that are available provide strong support.