BBC Radio Leeds commentator Adam Pope has praised Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s off the ball contribution as he shone in Leeds United’s win over Wolves.
The plaudits have been rolling in for Dominic Calvert-Lewin after he scored his first goal for Leeds in the Whites’ win at Molineux.
Leeds legend Dominic Matteo believes no Premier League side will want to face Calvert-Lewin after his return to form, while Anton Stach backed him for a return to the England squad with the World Cup on the horizon.
Although he had not found the net before the trip to the West Midlands, Calvert-Lewin had looked lively in attack in his other performances under Daniel Farke.
Now, Pope has praised Calvert-Lewin’s all-round performance against Wolves, explaining why he could be crucial in Leeds’ survival bid.
Adam Pope praises Leeds United forward
Speaking on the Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet Podcast for BBC Radio Leeds, Pope gave a glowing endorsement of Calvert-Lewin.
According to Pope, Calvert-Lewin’s significant Premier League experience could prove essential to the Whites. Pope said: “I just saw [Calvert-Lewin’s] attitude, and he’s got that, it’s not like a swagger, but it’s just a confidence that I’m fine, I’m confident in my own ability and even if I didn’t score, it’d be fine.
“His performance was fantastic everywhere. I think having people like that in your team who sort of know the Premier League makes such a difference. You can see it a mile off.
“So I never felt that even though they went behind, they were in trouble because as long as they don’t concede a second, they were going to be fine. And so it proved to be, but I didn’t expect a blitz of three goals, and they fully deserved it.
“Then you saw the other side of them digging in deep in the second half as Wolves tried to throw everything at them, and Darlow came into his own, but that little sort of triangle of Rodon, Struijk, Ampadu, very, very good, very, very good. And, you know, Stach was outstanding.
“But for me, Calvert-Lewin was sensational, and overall it was a really good performance.”
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Dominic Calvert-Lewin made a big impact against Wolves
Although Farke will undoubtedly be delighted to see his off-season signing get off the mark against Wolves, he will be most pleased with Calvert-Lewin’s unselfish display leading the line as Leeds’ lone striker.
The stats from FBRef highlight Calvert-Lewin’s strong overall contribution. Aside from his goal, Calvert-Lewin won three aerial duels, made two recoveries and drew three fouls, including the one that led to the free-kick.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin vs Wolves
- 30 Touches
- 55 yards carried
- 11 Passes
- One Key Pass
- Two Recoveries
- Three Aerial Duels Won
Calvert-Lewin had 30 touches in total, carrying the ball for a total of 55 yards in possession, and making 11 passes in total, including one key pass.
Ultimately, strikers are judged on goals. Therefore, it was important that Calvert-Lewin put the ball in the net, no matter how good his all-round performance was.
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