There has been no doubting Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s importance on the pitch since the striker opted to join Leeds United on a free transfer. But his importance is becoming apparent off it, too.
Calvert-Lewin joined Leeds in the summer after leaving Everton on a free. The England international had initially opted against joining Leeds, but as the summer window rolled on, he opted to move to Leeds.
After nine years at Everton, Calvert-Lewin actually rejected Man United, Newcastle and Milan to join Leeds. The thinking that he would only join a club where he had been promised he would be first choice.
That is the case at Leeds, remaining fit and scoring eight goals so far. Seven of which came in six games before the Liverpool draw. While he hasn’t scored in the last two, he has come as close as possible.
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Six goals in five for the big man!
What Dominic Calvert-Lewin did at The Etihad during half-time
A disallowed goal at Anfield after coming on as a sub was followed by heading against the post on Sunday against Man United. He will be desperate to score against Newcastle United on Wednesday.
But he’s not only shining on the pitch. His experience of the Premier League is a key asset for Leeds and Brenden Aaronson has revealed to Beren Cross that Calvert-Lewin was key at half-time against City.
At the time, reports said Farke’s job was in doubt and after Phil Foden’s first-minute opener, many felt Farke could be given the axe. But actually, Leeds won the second half after Farke had changed system.
Indeed, it has turned out to be the day that Farke’s job was saved. The 3-5-2 system changing everything and being the basis for the unbeaten run of seven matches under the German’s influence and tactics.
Speaking on The Square Ball, The Athletic’s Cross says Aaronson had informed him that Calvert-Lewin had gone into half-time aggressive and leading the criticism, even if the striker hadn’t actually started.
“We spoke to Aaronson after the Sunderland game, we didn’t publish the quotes, not sure if the other guys did. He told us at Sunderland that it was Calvert-Lewin at City who got stuck into everyone,” he said.
“At Sunderland, it was a sloppy first half, and Aaronson made the point that Farke rarely raises his voice, so when he does, you really know he means it,” Cross said, having spoken to in-form USA ace Aaronson.
“He said that similarly at the Etihad, Calvert-Lewin – who hadn’t even started at The Etihad – had gone in at half-time, despite the fact it’s City away and they were expected to lose, and banged heads together.”
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Calvert-Lewin showed leadership against Man United on Sunday
Clearly, Calvert-Lewin is one of the leaders in this side and rightly so, given he is probably the player with the most Premier League experience among the whole squad. More than Sean Longstaff and others.
But he did something on Sunday that went under the radar. Calvert-Lewin was back in the starting line-up on Sunday after being benched against Liverpool. In a huddle on the pitch, Calvert-Lewin did the speech.
Not only does it show Calvert-Lewin’s leadership as a player, but it also shows that the squad respects and appreciates Calvert-Lewin’s influence, largely because of his form for Leeds, and his previous form.
Next up for Calvert-Lewin and Leeds is Newcastle on Wednesday night on Tyneside, before the Whites go to Derby in the FA Cup on Sunday. Then, Leeds host Fulham, go to Everton, and return to face Arsenal.
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