Maybe I’m getting old or expecting too much, is it a case of been spoilt growing up watching Howard Kendall’s sides such Tricky Trev and Kevin Sheedy whipping endless balls into the box for the likes of Andy Gray and Graeme Sharp with devastating effect?

I have watched all the Pre-season games and league games this season that DCL has been involved in and the service has not been great, in fact it has been lacking big time. Is that the fault of DCL or more to do with a team that generally lacks creativity or the willingness to supply in key areas first time?

I cannot remember ever seeing Richarlison crossing the ball into the oppositions penalty box, the most crucial area where Centre Forwards earn their crust. It not just Richarlison that is guilty, Sigurdsson, Bernard, and Coleman haven’t help in my opinion.

I remember watching the Werder Bremen Pre season friendly which was played in 30 minute halves. In 30 minutes there was one chance created for DCL, Lucas Digne crossed into the penalty box, whipped in first time which DCL got his head to and forced the keeper into a decent save. We don’t whip ball into the box first time enough for me, this should be bread and butter for the likes of Sigurdsson?

Just think, at times you have to play to the lads strengths, a big, pacey unit, he is not going to drop deep and take the ball off the centre backs, dribble pass five players and curl one in from 30 yards. He requires quality service like a car requires petrol to run. 

His best option is Lucas Digne at the moment, quality first time ball whipped in from the left, absolutely nothing coming from the right side, Seamus Coleman not able to beat the last man at the moment and then whip one in, maybe the introduction of Djibril Sidibe and Alex Iwobi will benefit DCL in the future?

Think it is important to note that finishing is not DCL’s strong point, I can remember watching an Everton/Sure promo video with England’s finishing coach Allan Russell, Wayne Rooney’s finishing was clinical, effortless and spotless. DCL’s finishing however was rash and not so clinical, something we all know he needs to work on but the notion that he’s standing in the wrong place is questionable.

For me there is not many players his age that could have survived mentally, playing as the main striker in such an iconic role for us, especially during the tough periods. He stood up and got on with it when Lukaku was sold back in July 2017 and should be commended for that.

I do worry that Moise Kean, although a very different type of player to DCL, he will also suffer from lack of service and isolation unless the creativity improves. Once Fabian Delph is settled into the Defensive midfield position the shackles will be loosened for Andre Gomes to start carrying the ball forward, creating space and adding much needed creativity. Djibril Sidibe may also be the answer on the right side but either way service has to be fluid with speed of thought.

Overall yes DCL’s finishing needs to improve on a more regular basis, but so does the service and an understanding from supporters on what DCL brings to the table, other than his goals and not made out to be the scapegoat when results or things don’t go our way. Let us allow the lad to grow and develop into a centre forward that is fitting of the No.9 shirt. 

Thanks for reading.

Mark Routledge