Sean Dyche, manager of Everton, praised Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jack Harrison after their Carabao Cup exploits against Aston Villa.
Sean Dyche hailed Jack Harrison after his Everton debut against Aston Villa and revealed the strategy for Dominic Calvert-Lewin ahead of the visit of Luton Town to Goodison Park.
The Blues’ manager indicated that L4’s injury woes are subsiding. The main issue ahead of the arrival of Rob Edwards’ side is Vitalii Mykolenko’s fitness, who was forced off on Wednesday.
Everton advanced to the Carabao Cup fourth round, where they will face Burnley, after breaking Aston Villa’s 10-match unbeaten run at Villa Park.
Jack Harrison played 65 minutes in his debut Everton start after joining on loan from Leeds United. The 26-year-old has been out with a muscle ailment since the start of the season, but he has suddenly emerged as a selection option following his cameo for the under-21s against Norwich City.
On Wednesday night, Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored in the Carabao Cup against Aston Villa to give the Blues back-to-back victories. The England forward has been plagued by injuries in recent months, but he has rediscovered his form, scoring in each of their victories over Brentford and Unai Emery’s side.
Calvert-Lewin came on as a substitute against the Bees, replacing Beto, and the two strikers swapped roles in the Midlands. With 18 minutes remaining in their midweek victory, the 26-year-old was sacrificed.
“I’m pleased for him first of all and we’ve tried to come away from the pressure of putting him straight in,” Dyche told the press.
“I think he’s looked sharp in games, we’re building him back into first-team football hence why we got him at a reasonable stage of the game.”
Everton manager David Moyes revealed that the loanee had taken him by surprise after playing little football this season. As the Blues were played in a new system for their trip to Villa Park, Harrison posed a threat.
“I thought Jack Harrison was excellent,” Dyche said.
“Not only because of his technical and tactical game, which is as sharp as it gets, but also because for someone who has had very little football, as in playing games, it’s been minimal.”
“He was sharp and done really well.”
Dyche acknowledged that they will assess Mykolenko’s fitness ahead of Saturday’s visit from the Hatters.
“There’s nothing too serious.” Myko took a knock, so we’ll have to be cautious and see how he feels tomorrow. Other knocks, I believe, but nothing major.”
