Leeds United’s defeat to Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough also meant a debut for striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The fixture looked like the ideal environment for the new Leeds United striker, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin a boyhood Sheffield United fan but needing a less intense fixture than a Premier League one for his debut.
It was a Leeds debut to forget for Calvert-Lewin, albeit the Leeds player ratings against Wednesday highlighted that he was not the worst player on the night.
However, a hat-trick of missed chances during his 32 minutes on the pitch were prior to a missed penalty in the penalty shootout. It was a disappointing day at the office for the team but not the debut he would have dreamt of.
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty ImagesLeeds United supporters react to Dominic Calvert-Lewin debut
In the main, most Leeds fans took to Twitter/X to criticise Calvert-Lewin’s performance, with posts like the below very much the norm.
However, others were appreciative of the overall work Calvert-Lewin put in leading the line. Another said: “At least DCL is getting in the right places the rest will come once he shakes of the rustiness 👊#lufc”
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A further response read: “Seeing a lot of coming for DCL for missing his chances. Not a lot for the championships top scorer being nowhere near the end of anything all night”
First miss is not good but two and three were unlucky. Above all, just delighted we have a couple strikers giving us presence and getting some chances. That’s what we need. You can think what you like about the misses but, ultimately, chances are the most important thing
— 🇦🏆 (@MOTweets1919) August 26, 2025
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The message was largely consistent and clear, another stated: “DCL hasn’t played competitive football for about 6 months. Piroe on the other hand hasn’t missed a game in the last 2 seasons and produced f— all. Get DCL up to speed, and he’ll get goals.”
Taken the positives from DCL’s performance. In all the places you want your 9 to be, just lacking match sharpness which is understanble given the circumstances
— Jack (@jack_cym) August 26, 2025
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Calvert-Lewin will add plenty of physicality and athleticism to spearhead the forward line, but his goal record in recent Premier League seasons is not particularly impressive.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty ImagesDominic Calvert-Lewin’s damning Leeds stats against Wednesday
It was a milestone night for Calvert-Lewin, becoming the 895th player to represent the club in a competitive fixture. However, LUFCDATA’s statistics weren’t all so kind.
DEBUT: Dominic Calvert-Lewin comes on to become the 895th player to represent Leeds United in competitive matches. #LUFC
— LUFCDATA (@LUFCDATA) August 26, 2025
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That’s because three ‘big chances’ missed and a penalty are why so many Leeds fans are concerned, even if he showcased why he can be the focal point of Leeds’ attack.
The question of how many more attackers Leeds bring in is sure to be on the lips of most Leeds fans now, following what happened against Wednesday on Tuesday night.