Former Premier League striker Darren Bent has praised two key Leeds United figures following their win over Wolves.
There was a growing sense of pressure around Elland Road after the heartbreaking defeat at Fulham, as Leeds’ flaws in front of goal appeared to be developing into a worrying trend for Daniel Farke.
However, the victory at Wolves helped lift the sense of doom, as three Leeds United players scored their first goal for the club in an eye-catching away win.
Having failed to add one final signing on transfer deadline day, Farke was under pressure to get the best out of the attacking talent that did arrive at the club, particularly England international Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Now, according to Bent, both Farke and Calvert-Lewin have taken a big step towards dismissing those concerns.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty ImagesDarren Bent praises Daniel Farke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Speaking on Talksport Drive on the evening of the 22nd September, Bent praised Farke for his impact on Leeds’ start to the season.
According to Bent, there were several question marks over Farke’s Premier League credentials heading into the new season, but Leeds’ promising results are answering them.
“They’ve done well, really well. Good result against Wolves, I know Wolves are not quite at it at the moment. But yeah, good result off the back of, what was it, getting beaten by Fulham, drawing with Newcastle, which again is not a bad result.
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“But you’re right, you’re sitting on a lot of question marks around Daniel Farke and his Premier League credentials, and he’s given Leeds a great chance of staying in the league this year. I mean, great result on the weekend.”
Bent also added that he has no doubts that Calvert-Lewin will be a force for Leeds this season, adding, “Calvert-Lewin, who, as I said, could be massive, scored a great header.
“First goal since January 19th. Three goals I think he got last season, and that’s total. I think you know he’s better than that, but if Leeds can keep him fit and give him the service that he requires, then there’s no doubt he can score goals.”
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty ImagesNew Leeds United signings coming to the fore
Although Farke was disappointed not to finalise a deal for Harry Wilson to bolster Leeds’ attacking options, Leeds still significantly strengthened their squad during the transfer window.
The fruits of their transfer business are now beginning to show, as shown by the goals from Calvert-Lewin, Anton Stach and Noah Okafor.
Not only did Leeds set a new record when three players scored their first goal for the club in the same game, but it also means that all four of Leeds’ goals this season have been scored by new signings, after Lukas Nmecha scored the penalty against Everton.
While Farke may have been desperate for another signing, with his new arrivals now getting up to speed, he should start to see the benefits of the business he did manage to conclude.