Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin came to Elland Road with a reputation of inconsistent finishing, and he’s looking to shake it off.
Earlier in September, Dominic Calvert-Lewin got off the mark in Leeds colours in trademark fashion.
A looping cross from Jayden Bogle saw Calvert-Lewin guide a delightful header into the corner, off the mark and looking incredibly confident overall.
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The England international was unable to build on his maiden goal for United, seeing chances squandered at home to Bournemouth.
His first came immediately from kick-off, released in on goal by Brenden Aaronson and Sean Longstaff, only to force a low, comfortable save. The next was a snap-shot that he did well to turn towards the bottom corner, only for Djordje Petrovic to parry away again – a much tougher save and better effort.
His third was arguably the one he absolutely should have buried, peeling into space as Aaronson’s overhead kick found him eight yards out, but he rushed a tame header down Petrovic’s throat.
As you see above, Everton supporters were quick to again judge their former striker. Criticism was rife on social media, as Toffees fans were unable to let go of their emotion on the forward.
For those who watched more than this 33-second compilation, Calvert-Lewin was Leeds’ crucial outlet to aid buildup.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is showing strong signs for Leeds United, but will need to score more chances. (Action Images via Reuters/Scott Heppell)
Bournemouth suffocated Leeds when they wanted to play out through the lines, so Calvert-Lewin was routinely the direct solution to turn defence into attack. Whether it’s winning headers, bringing the ball down by dropping deep, or forcing knowdowns by unsettling the centre-backs, Calvert-Lewin was obviously a net-positive again.
Beto drops stinker as Everton draw at home to West Ham – bullet dodged for Leeds United?
In an alternate world, Leeds don’t sign Calvert-Lewin after his exit from Everton. Instead, they sign heavily-linked target Beto from the Toffees.
The 6ft4in forward follows similar rationale to most other striker targets: he’s big, athletic, horrible to play against, and enjoyed a nice purple patch earlier in 2025.
Matchday one suggested why Leeds were unwilling to part with the supposed £21million it would have taken to land him. At Elland Road, he was bullied for 90 minutes.
Tonight was another suggestion that Leeds may have rightly swerved a deal.
Leeds United’s summer target Beto toils up front for Everton v West Ham. (REUTERS/Scott Heppell)
Everton were held at home to West Ham, with Beto hooked on 69 minutes after just 17 touches, three completed passes, a big chance missed and 3 duels won out of 12 (Sofascore).
There’s more to his game, but with one goal matching DCL’s record thus far, Leeds lumping a huge fee might not have been shrewd business.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!