Calvert-Lewin could prove the 49ers right already in Leeds United vs Fulham
Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be set to start his first Premier League game for Leeds United on Saturday when they travel to Fulham.
Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha were both brought in on free transfers this summer as the 49ers did not fork out a fee for a new number nine, much to the surprise of the Elland Road faithful.
With both Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph leaving Leeds, Daniel Farke needed to be provided with more options up top to compete with Joel Piroe.
However, with Dutchman failing to impress so far and both Piroe and Nmecha carrying injuries, Calvert-Lewin has the perfect opportunity this weekend to prove why he should be the first-choice striker.
Calvert-Lewin could cement place in starting XI with impressive performance against Fulham
With Farke’s Leeds side being toothless in attack so far, it has never been easier to break into this team as a forward.
During Calvert-Lewin’s cameo against Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle, the 28-year-old showcased his good movement and ability to get into the right areas, even if his finishing was wayward at times.
When Piroe plays up front for Leeds in tricky games, they effectively play with 10 men as he cannot lead the line with his back to goal, whilst struggling with the physicality.
Nmecha has proven to be able to offer this physicality, but has largely lacked any significant attacking threat aside from his penalty against Everton.
- Nmecha only managed to amass an xG of 0.1 in his 70 minutes against Newcastle
- The striker did not have a single shot on target, and the only effort he did have was blocked
- Nmecha was then substituted off for Calvert-Lewin with 20 minutes to go
If Calvert-Lewin plays against Fulham at Craven Cottage, he has the opportunity to showcase that he can lead the line effectively, whilst frequently threatening the opposition goalkeeper.
49ers evidently trust Calvert-Lewin to do the business for Leeds
A few factors point towards the fact that the former Evertonian is the 49ers’ marquee attacking signing despite arriving on a free.
A new striker was not brought in late on in the window, despite it looking like United needed another one, as well as the fact that Calvert-Lewin was handed the number nine shirt.
This all comes despite his infamous injury record and the fact that he has scored 10 or more Premier League goals in a season just twice previously.
However, with an impressive performance against Fulham, the former England international could prove that the 49ers got it right when it came to their striker recruitment in the summer, despite the criticisms.
The ball is firmly in his court now.
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