Dominic Calvert-Lewin can pull level with a Leeds United icon in the Premier League clash against Crystal Palace as he looks to continue his goalscoring form.
Having joined Leeds United from Everton in the summer, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is currently enjoying the second-most prolific goalscoring run of his career.
Calvert-Lewin has scored in four consecutive games for just the second time in his Premier League career, one short of his career-best run with Everton in the opening weeks of the 2020/21 season.
No Leeds United player has managed to score in five consecutive top-flight games for over 22 years, in a run stretching back to Peter Reid’s short spell in charge.
Mark Viduka set the mark that Calvert-Lewin is looking to match on that day, as he scored twice in a 2-2 draw against Tottenham.
Leeds win and Dominic Calvert-Lewin scores – change my mind 👊
Fifth goal in a row, incoming
Mark Viduka scored twice against Tottenham to secure five-game scoring streak
It is not an exaggeration to suggest that Leeds may have been relegated from the top-flight one season sooner, were it not for Viduka’s goals.
The Leeds cult hero scored 20 goals in 33 Premier League games that season, as a year which started positively under Terry Venables unravelled, with both Venables and former Chairman Peter Ridsdale leaving before the season was up, as the club spiralled into financial turmoil.
However, Viduka was in unstoppable form from the beginning of March and kicked off his goalscoring run with Leeds’ only goal in a 2-1 defeat against Manchester United.
He scored six goals in the next three games, including a brace against Middlesbrough and a hat-trick in a 6-1 win over Charlton, which meant he arrived at Elland Road brimming with confidence as Leeds took on Spurs.
Where does Mark Viduka rank in Leeds’ greatest PL strikers? 🦘
The Australian scored some brilliant goals for the club
Viduka almost opened the scoring against Spurs, as he produced a classic turn and volley from the edge of the box, with his shot striking the post. He made no mistake shortly after, latching onto a pass from Harry Kewell to finish from inside the box.
Goals from Teddy Sheringham and former Leeds man Robbie Keane appeared to have put Leeds on course for a defeat, until goalkeeper Kasey Keller brought down Kewell in the box. Viduka made no mistake from the spot, firing into the top corner to give Leeds a share of the spoils.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is maturing ‘like a fine wine’ at Leeds United
There are several parallels between Leeds’ former icon and Calvert-Lewin, as Viduka took some time to find his feet before his career at Elland Road burst into life in the demolition of Besiktas.
Leeds will be hoping that Calvert-Lewin can play an equally talismanic role in their fight for Premier League survival this season.
Speaking to BBC Sport recently, Radio Leeds journalist Adam Pope praised Calvert-Lewin’s development, stating: “Farke believed if he could get Calvert-Lewin firing, he would be the one to propel them up the table.
“He is Leeds’ main man up front, and fans have taken to him thanks in large part to his effort and link-up play. He’s like a fine wine, the way he’s matured. He’s found his home and seems to be loved at Leeds, where his influence on others is really good.”
Viduka’s goals kept Leeds in the Premier League in the 2002/03 season. If Calvert-Lewin continues in his current form, he has a good chance of doing the same under Daniel Farke.
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