Some strikers are measured by their goal tally, but Leeds United’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin is much more than that as a centre-forward.
Having joined from Everton on a free in the summer, Leeds United are just the third permanent club for the striker. Dominic Calvert-Lewin also played for South Yorkshire outfit Sheffield United.
So far, it’s a solitary goal in Leeds colours, but Calvert-Lewin’s only Leeds goal helped to set records for the club. His importance goes beyond that, though, as Calvert-Lewin is a focal point striker.
It means he can bring others into play due to his frame and physical presence. It’s something of a lost art in football and is vastly underrated by numerous football fans all over the world regarding their assessment of strikers.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty ImagesLeeds United supporters rush to defend Dominic Calvert-Lewin
In many ways, Leeds’ new number-nine is old fashioned. But his ability to pin his opponent and win duels are reasons why Graham Smyth thinks Joel Piroe over Calvert-Lewin talk is ‘utter madness’ as a point of discussion.
Calvert-Lewin explained why he chose Leeds over alternatives but, in truth, it’s a match made in heaven. Many fans have taken to the less sexy aspects of his displays incredibly well thus far. That has been evident in recent days on X (formerly Twitter).
In the ranking from an account outlining the best to worst Premier League strikers, many fans were outraged by Calvert-Lewin’s positioning in 20th. Another added: “DCL is absolutely not 20th.”
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DCL the worst striker in the league is just absolute nonsense
— Jake (@Jake___2003) October 13, 2025
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A further response read: “Based off this season? DCL has arguably been our best player. If not our best, then our most important in the games hes played.”
Another Leeds fan said: “DCL last? 😭 I never understand people who rank stuff without even watching them play.”
Another of the stronger replies read: “DCL has been the better striker in every game he’s played so far. Should be no lower than 13th 👍”
That said, another consideration is Calvert-Lewin’s Leeds wages being as high as they are. The 28-year-old has to repay Leeds with form and fitness to be worth it on the pitch. That also means scoring goals.
Daniel Farke knows how important he is, most crucially of all. In fact, Farke has already outlined that Calvert-Lewin is frustrated at his lack of goals for Leeds.
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty ImagesBrenden Aaronson’s recent Dominic Calvert-Lewin view
Peter Crouch is backing Calvert-Lewin for England if his form with Leeds is able to continue. Not necessarily in terms of scoring goals, but his ability to bring others into play.
Brenden Aaronson’s recent Calvert-Lewin claim for Leeds explains that he is being told to get close to Calvert-Lewin for the second balls his hold-up play creates.
Aaronson said: “[Farke] just wants to see me do my game, like how I played last year. Be creative, be creating from the right wing position.
“If it’s creating chances on the dribble, finding people with through balls, playing close to Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the striker. I’ve been given time to kind of understand the position a little bit more, and grow used to it.”