Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s strong return to form is both unexpected and welcome. The striker has undoubted pedigree but has scored just one goal in his first 10 games for Leeds. His final season at Everton saw him score just three goals in 26 Premier League games.
The 28-year-old England international surpassed that record by scoring in four consecutive games. Since coming on as a substitute against Manchester City and scoring, he has also scored in the win against Chelsea, the draw against Liverpool and Brentford.
In doing so, he became a key figure in turning Leeds’ season around. It was far from safe, but manager Daniel Farke came up with something by changing to a 3-5-2 formation as he looked on the verge of being sent off. He described Calvert-Lewin as “amazing.”
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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has praised striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
“There was never any doubt,” Falke said. “His CV speaks to an incredible person, an incredible worker. We are happy to have him. Harry Kane plays in the Bundesliga, but he is one of the best English strikers in the Premier League.”
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Premier League match highlights between Brentford and Leeds
There was a time when this statement was uncontroversial. In fact, from September 2019 to May 2021, Kane was the only player of any nationality to score more non-penalty goals in the Premier League than Calvert-Lewin. He surpassed Mohamed Salah.
Fitness issues robbed him of some of his best years and it has been a struggle for him to find his best form ever since. The effects are both physical and mental, which became clear when I spoke to him on Sky Sports during his injury period.
“You underestimate how long four or five months out is,” Calvert-Lewin said at the time. “You come back in the middle of the season and everyone else is up to speed. I underestimated how difficult it would be.” He couldn’t figure out the rhythm. Months turned into years.
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This was the reason why players of the same age could be acquired on free transfers in the summer. While England’s big three clubs paid huge sums to sign Victor Gokeres, Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesco, it was Calvert-Lewin who was seen as a gamble.
Yet he has scored more Premier League goals this season than all three so far. Something has changed. But what? He is completely healthy and that is important. However, a change in the system meant Leeds played to his strengths in the white shirt.
Farke remained consistent with his playing with a back four throughout his time at Leeds until half-time at the Etihad Stadium, when he decided to play with a three at the back, introducing Calvert-Lewin alongside partner Lucas Nmeka up front. They came close to rescuing an unlikely spot.
“We have to close the gap in individual qualifications,” Falke said afterwards in explanation. “We have to be more flexible.” When Nmeka was injured, he stuck to the same shape and moved Noah Okafor inside. It’s a perfect fit for the team and Calvert-Lewin.
Passes received by Dominic Calvert-Lewin since the game against Man City last month
Leeds are more direct now. This fact is evident in the number of long passes goaltender Lucas Perry makes. Before the game against City, his long pass success rate was 58.4 per cent, but in the last four games that number has jumped to 85.6 per cent.
The target of most of those passes was Calvert-Lewin. In fact, over the past four games, Calvert-Lewin has received more passes directly from goalies than from outfield players. Not only does he score goals in each game, he also helps Leeds gain territory on the pitch.
It reflects a change in his own game. There was a time in his youth when Calvert-Lewin was happiest running the ball carrying the ball from deep. As the years went on, he took on the role of a target man, or penalty box player.
It was under Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti that Calvert-Lewin developed his knack for finishing from close range, and his heatmap each season shows a tendency for him to do his best work close to the opposition goal. He’s playing between the posts now.
Leeds United’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s shot map in the Premier League
That could make a huge difference for Leeds in this relegation battle. You will need flexibility. Wilfried Gounondt came on as a substitute and replaced Calvert-Lewin, heading in Brentford’s late equalizer, showing that he benefits from having a winger on the pitch.
Regardless of the formation, keeping Calvert-Lewin healthy and fit will be key. He was last in the England squad when he came on as an unused substitute in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley. If he keeps this up, Falke won’t be the only German to track his progress.
