Leeds have emerged from practically nowhere to become one of the Premier League’s form sides.
Daniel Farke was heading for the sack as Leeds endured four consecutive Premier League defeats, but the German has responded superbly to bounce back with a four-game unbeaten run, including wins over Chelsea and Crystal Palace.
Every single Leeds player looks significantly sharper in the new 3-5-2 formation, but Jermain Defoe has singled Dominic Calvert-Lewin out in particular for his electric movement in the box.
Jermain Defoe hails Dominic Calvert-Lewin after Leeds United No.9 nets six goals in five games Answer this: Leeds United will finish in ___th place if Dominic Calvert-Lewin stays fit 📊
Six goals in five for the big man!
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Speaking on the Generation xG show from Premier League Productions, the man who scored 162 Premier League goals said: “I think it’s been a struggle for him to find his rhythm. When you’ve got rhythm and confidence, your brain works so much quicker. It’s about subtle movements, being in the right place at the right time.
“Even with that chance, you see the reaction and the finish. These are proper number nine goals. In this moment here, it’s just a subtle movement, but his brain is always thinking, his awareness, sharpness, where he’s going to be.
“I’m really happy for him, because there’s been a lot of noise around him – that he doesn’t score enough, that he misses chances, but the reality is he hasn’t always been fit. Now he is fit, and you can see the difference. It’s amazing.”
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Farke insisted Calvert-Lewin would shine once he got his fitness up to speed.
After a miserable debut in the Carabao Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, the 49-year-old said: “For him, it’s a little bit like a pre-season.
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“I’m happy that he has the chance and I know that a top fit, 100% Calvert-Lewin uses this chance, but he needs desperately the minutes today to build up his fitness.”
That has proven to be exactly the case, and when an iconic marksman like Defoe is singling Calvert-Lewin out for praise, it is obvious he’s doing something right.
Jermain Defoe could have scored goals himself for Leeds United
Some Leeds fans might not be aware that Defoe actually had the opportunity to join Leeds.
England need Dominic Calvert-Lewin more than they need Ollie Watkins – surely? 🦁🦁🦁
Who are you taking and why?
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Speaking to Sky Sports in April 2020, the 43-year-old said: “I wanted to be back playing in the Premier League. I did get a phone call about Leeds when they had all those players there and were doing well, but when I got the Tottenham call I wanted to go there.”
It would have been amazing to see a Premier League icon such as Defoe playing his football at Elland Road, but Leeds fans can now take comfort in the fact they currently have one of the best strikers in the Premier League in Calvert-Lewin.
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