Marcelo Bielsa will applaud what Leeds United star did vs Chelsea after ‘dangerous’ comments
A change in formation has breathed new life into Leeds United following their win over Chelsea on Wednesday night.
Daniel Farke first experimented with a two-man striker system in the second half of Leeds’ defeat to Manchester City.
Whilst the Whites were ultimately beaten 3-2 by the title challengers, goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha in the second period did initially bring the visitors back from 2-0 down.
That is why Farke continued with a 3-5-2 formation on Wednesday night, and it worked a treat, as Leeds secured an impressive 3-2 win over Chelsea at Elland Road thanks to goals from Jaka Bijol, Ao Tanaka, and Calvert-Lewin.
Marcelo Bielsa will applaud Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s performance vs Chelsea
On a night when the hosts required concentration in defence and aggressive tackling in midfield, Calvert-Lewin set the standard in attack.
The Englishman started alongside Nmecha, just as he did in the second half against Man City, and he helped press the visitors into submission.
Calvert-Lewin is known for his willingness to run, but is often criticised for his lack of clinical edge in front of goal.
However, that narrative could be turning for the better, as the 28-year-old scored for the second game running, tapping home from close range to give his side a 3-1 lead.
Marcelo Bielsa is one person who will applaud Calvert-Lewin after previously lauding the towering striker as ‘dangerous’ following Leeds’ win over Everton 1-0 in November 2020.
“It’s not easy to neutralise him,” Bielsa admitted, as quoted by Leeds Live.
“The whole team made a big effort defensively to stop him, especially our centre-backs against him. But he had chances to score and we worked so that the opportunities he had on goal would be difficult ones. But nonetheless, he was a player who was as dangerous as he usually is.”
Daniel Farke may have found the winning formula
Leeds looked a much better all-round team in a 3-5-2 system, with Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha setting the standard with their relentless pressing up top.
Calvert-Lewin, who joined Leeds following his release from Everton in the summer, is someone who thrives in a two-striker formation.
The 11-cap England international once formed an incredible partnership with Richarlison on Merseyside, and the early signs suggest he could do similar with Nmecha at Elland Road.
| Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s stats vs Chelsea |
| 86 minutes played |
| 1 goal |
| 1.38 xG |
| 3 shots |
| 5/6 ground duels won |
| 6/9 aerial duels won |
As delineated by the above table, Calvert-Lewin impressed with his all-round game, even winning five of his six attempted ground duels, on what was a memorable night for Leeds.
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