Impressive Calvert-Lewin stat proves why 49ers Leeds gamble has paid off big time
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was exceptional as the lone striker as Leeds beat Wolves 3-1 at Molineux.
Calvert-Lewin’s header was praised by Danny Murphy as the 28-year-old gave Leeds a much-needed equaliser after Ladislav Krejci opened the scoring for the hosts inside the opening ten minutes.
Anton Stach and Noah Okafor were also on the scoresheet against Wolves in what was United’s most impressive performance of the campaign so far.
Due to the controversial nature of Calvert-Lewin’s signing, however, it is the striker who will surely grab the headlines.
49ers Calvert-Lewin gamble may have started to pay off
The 49ers’ decision not to part ways with a transfer fee for a new striker over the summer was certainly one that did not go down well with the Elland Road faithful.
Alongside Calvert-Lewin, Lukas Nmecha was also brought in on a free transfer to give Daniel Farke other options as opposed to just starting Joel Piroe week in week out in the top flight.
Whilst Piroe is arguably still the best pure finisher at the club, the Dutchman’s inability to be a physical up top and provide an outlet for Leeds was alarming.
- In Piroe’s two starts this season against Everton and Arsenal, he was poor
- Out of the eight duels he was involved with against Everton, he won just one
- His ratio was even worse against Arsenal, as he won zero out of three duels, proving his inability to effectively lead the line when Leeds need a presence up front
Calvert-Lewin was the polar opposite of this against Wolves.
- The former Everton man won seven duels on Saturday, with three of those being aerial duels
- He was also fouled three times as he won crucial free kicks for Leeds
- His ability to do the dirty work up front makes him a far better option than Piroe in the Premier League for Leeds (Sofascore)
If Calvert-Lewin can stay fit and continue to perform like this, then the 49ers gamble may have well and truly paid off.
- READ MORE: Wayne Rooney drops Leeds admission as he makes new Premier League relegation prediction on MOTD
There is more to leading the line than just goals
Whilst certain sections of the fanbase were calling for Piroe to start against Wolves, Farke ultimately made the correct choice to persist with Calvert-Lewin.
More often than not, Leeds will find themselves in game states that require a striker to do more than simply just score if a chance falls to them.
With their games in the Premier League being far more competitive than the ones in the Championship, United cannot afford to have any passengers and far more often than not, Leeds may as well be playing with ten men when they start Piroe up front.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Leeds United news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @motleedsnews