Dominic Calvert-Lewin second-best only to Raphinha after 26-year Leeds United first

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is competing against the best with his performances at Leeds United.

It wasn't surprising to see Thomas Tuchel call the striker to the England squad for the last international break.

The 29-year-old was a big reason why the Whites survived relegation last season.

Calvert-Lewin scored his fourth Premier League goal of the season against Manchester United at Elland Road and his numbers are up there with the likes of Raphinha.

The Barcelona forward, who spent two years at the West Yorkshire outfit, has arguably been one of the best players in the world recently.

It's encouraging to see the former Everton ace competing with the Brazil international on certain metrics.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin also gets close to Mark Viduka's record

Calvert-Lewin has been exceptional for Leeds, especially since the turn of the year.

Speaking on Monday Night Football after the striker's goal against Man United, Jamie Carragher said, "The touch and finish from Calvert-Lewin. Does really well to get over the ball. He has been an absolute revelation, hasn't he?"

According to Opta stat man Jonny Cooper, since the start of May, the West Yorkshire outfit's centre-forward has the second-best conversion rate in Europe's top five leagues among players who have taken 20 or more shots.

Raphinha leads the charts with 14 goals from 33 shots, a 42 per cent conversion rate compared to the Englishman's 33 per cent after seven goals from 21 shots.

The former Everton ace is also the second-quickest to reach 20 goals for the Whites as a Premier League side, doing it in 48 games, after Mark Viduka reached the same tally in 43 matches in 2000-01.

How Leeds failure has been blessing in disguise

In the summer, Leeds prioritised strengthening their defence with James Trafford and Tarik Muharemovic.

The Whites spent a significant sum on the goalkeeper and centre-back.

Going back to January, Jorgen Strand Larsen was heavily linked with a move to the West Yorkshire outfit but ended up signing for Crystal Palace for £48million, including add-ons.

The failure to sign the Norway international has almost certainly allowed Calvert-Lewin to start consistently for the Peacocks without added pressure.

Having arrived as a free agent, the striker is arguably invaluable to Daniel Farke at Elland Road.