Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s expertise laid bare by new Opta reveal, Leeds have a monster
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s turnaround at Leeds has been miraculous.
Just a few weeks ago, Leeds looked destined for relegation with a strike force that couldn’t finish their dinner.
Fast forward to now, and Calvert-Lewin looks nailed on for a spot in the England squad for the World Cup, and Leeds have opened up a gap at the bottom of the Premier League.
It’s been a dramatic turn of events for the Whites, and the 28-year-old striker has spearheaded that revival under Daniel Farke.
Leeds have what no other relegation candidate has
With seven goals this season, and six in his last five appearances, Calvert-Lewin is staking a claim for the signing of the season in the Premier League.
To have a player arrive on a free after a year of issues with injuries and with form, to then put up these numbers is quite incredible.
What makes his return to form even more impressive is the fact that all seven of his goals have arrived in the same area of the penalty box, as revealed by Opta in the graphic below.
All seven have been central, with four coming inside the six-yard box, showcasing his natural instinct in front of goal.
Calvert-Lewin is lethal in those areas, and if Leeds can keep supplying him with chances, they will have no relegation fears sooner rather than later.
How far are Leeds away from safety?
Historically, teams require 40 points in the Premier League before they are deemed to be safe, though the actual points tally for survival recently has been much lower.
For example, Sunderland, who Leeds face this weekend, are on 27 points, which would have secured them safety in the last two campaigns.
Points needed for survival in the last five seasons
- 2020-21 – 29 points
- 2021-22 – 36 points
- 2022-23 – 35 points
- 2023-24 – 27 points
- 2024-25 – 26 points
The highest number of points that has been needed to stay in the league since 2020 was 36, meaning Leeds will need to pick up another 17 points this season to meet that tally, which is more than likely going to be enough.
That would require four wins and five draws, or five wins and two draws, which, when taking into account their recent form, is more than achievable.
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