Alan Shearer’s claim about Dominic Calvert-Lewin being the Premier League’s best striker in the air is not opinion, it is backed by clear statistical evidence this season.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has won 112 aerial duels won for Leeds this season, a total that places him among the Premier League’s most dominant players in the air. For context, Virgil van Dijk has won 145.
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He has also delivered 11 goals in 31 Premier League appearances, underlining that his aerial strength remains central to his overall output. Calvert-Lewin is a threat, and his aerial ability is his biggest weapon.
This week, Alan Shearer spoke to Football Manager’s Tik Tok page. Asked for the Premier League’s best striker in the air, he answered Calvert-Lewin, picking him over the likes of Man City’s Erling Haaland.
The comparison with Erling Haaland makes the gap clear
Haaland, widely regarded as the league’s most physically imposing striker, has 69 aerial duels won this season. Leeds-born Haaland has been back to his best this season, with City playing more direct.
Calvert-Lewin’s total is 43 higher, a decisive gap that shows no other leading striker is operating at the same level in the air. It is a tool that Leeds and Daniel Farke have taken full advantage of.
Shearer is not the only player that has praised his aerial ability. Earlier this season, Chris Sutton highlighted Calvert-Lewin’s aerial ability, pointing to his “hang time” and leap as defining traits.
He also stated Calvert-Lewin “would beat him at leaping”, a view that aligns directly with the statistical gap between him and Haaland. Who needs Haaland when you have Calvert-Lewin?
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Shearer’s wider praise reflects consistent elite traits
Shearer has already described Calvert-Lewin as “one of the best around”, reinforcing the idea that his aerial dominance is long established, after his brace against Crystal Palace back in December.
He has also said there is “no stopping him” when in form, a statement supported by his current output and consistency. There is a clear admiration for Calvert-Lewin, an old-fashioned type of striker.
When the numbers, expert opinion, and direct comparisons are considered together, the conclusion is clear. Calvert-Lewin is operating at a level in the air that no other Premier League striker is matching.
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