Leeds United: Graham Smyth worried about Dominic Calvert-Lewin as slump continues

Graham Smyth has admitted he is worried about Dominic Calvert-Lewin's goal drought for Leeds United, but believes Daniel Farke must continue to stick by him.

The usually prolific Calvert-Lewin has misfired at the worst possible time, scoring just one goal from his last nine appearances across all competitions.

That has culminated in a gradual slide back into the relegation fight, with the Whites now just three points above the drop zone with eight matches remaining.

Calvert-Lewin drew another blank against Crystal Palace last time out, missing a penalty, and Smyth is concerned that his missed opportunities will come back to haunt the Whites.

Graham Smyth's Dominic Calvert-Lewin verdict

Damningly, the 29-year-old last found the back of the net in the 3-1 victory against Nottingham Forest over five weeks ago, with his drought standing at five matches.

Calvert-Lewin's impact is diminishing, and Farke will certainly be concerned, especially after watching the ace plunder 10 top-flight goals in quick succession.

Last time out, Calvert-Lewin rolled a poor penalty wide of the target at Selhurst Park, with the Whites eventually digging in to take an impressive point back to Yorkshire.

"Leeds are missing good chances right now," Smyth said on the Inside Elland Road podcast.

"You look at Calvert-Lewin. He has to play for me because of everything he does and everything he brings to the team.

"He's so vital, but his finishing has gone awry quite badly in recent weeks.

"Think about Man City when [Brenden] Aaronson puts one on an absolute plate for him, and he doesn't hit the target and misses the goal and the penalty at Crystal Palace.

"Those are two huge moments you have to take your chances."

It is clear that Calvert-Lewin is snatching at chances currently, and considering he is Leeds' main source of goals, that is a real problem. Worryingly, Farke has not yet found a fix.

Calvert-Lewin is still a Leeds success

However, Calvert-Lewin has still been a true bargain for the Elland Road outfit, regardless of whether he scores another Premier League goal before the end of the season.

The mere fact that he was able to chalk up 10 of them, eight of which came in a four-month flurry, is impressive enough, and showed exactly why other top-flight clubs wanted him.

He is likely to just need to score scruffily to rediscover his magic touch of old, but until that moment, he will no doubt continue to work hard for his teammates.

Supporters are backing him, but they will want the dam to burst sooner rather than later.