Why Daniel Farke must trust Dominic Calvert-Lewin to lead Leeds to survival
Dominic Calvert-Lewin can still be the man to fire Leeds to Premier League survival this season.
Leeds signed Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer after his Everton contract expired, and so far, it has been a story of what ifs.
Calvert-Lewin has missed several big chances and only scored one goal in six top-flight appearances for the Elland Road outfit.
However, Daniel Farke can still rely on the 28-year-old to keep his side in the division.
It is not all doom and gloom for Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Leeds
Leeds star Calvert-Lewin is the worst striker in the Premier League when it comes to underperforming his expected goals tally by 10.4 since the start of the 2023-24 season.
That means that he should have scored 10 more goals than he has in that period, which does not make for encouraging reading.
However, his impact in other areas can make up for that, as the ex-Everton man is amongst the best in the division in his position when it comes to key metrics for Farke’s more direct setup.
As per Sky Sports, Calvert-Lewin ranks joint-fourth amongst top-flight strikers for aerial duels won, and only five attackers have won possession back in the final third more than him.
That suggests that he is absolutely key to the Whites’ pressing and ability to get out of danger by acting as an outlet when they are under pressure.
Who else can step up for Leeds?
If Calvert-Lewin is not scoring, but is still helping the Peacocks to play their system, he will stay in the line-up, but he needs others to step up.
The former England will notch the odd goal here and there, but he cannot do it on his own, and he needs the likes of Dan James and Noah Okafor to help him out.
The LS11 outfit needs everyone to work in tandem and contribute; Calvert-Lewin is trying to do that, even if he does not have the goal contributions to match his efforts.
Farke can trust the veteran to lead the line in their survival bid and hold up the ball, bring others into play, but he needs his fellow attackers to make the most of his work.
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