Just last month, Leeds United were on a losing streak, and Daniel Farke was on the verge of getting sacked. But everything turned around in the game against Manchester City at the Etihad.
The formation change in the second half almost got the Whites a point from a comeback, but they were denied by a late Phil Foden goal. Since then, the team have gone four games unbeaten. What has been the most impressive is the quality of opponents; they have beaten Chelsea and Crystal Palace, and held Liverpool to a draw.
A big part of this is Farke and his tactics, but many players in the Leeds squad have stepped up in the last few weeks.
Jermaine Defoe wowed by Leeds United star
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored in five straight games and is now on seven goals in the Premier League. Fans had given up on him, but he seems to have won over everyone in these last few games. Former England striker Jermaine Defoe says that Calvert-Lewin is much sharper now because he has found rhythm and confidence:
“I think it’s been a struggle for him to find his rhythm.” he said on Premier League Production’s Generation xG show.
“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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Can Dominic Calvert-Lewin make the England team for the World Cup?
The former Everton striker is in fine form, and is one of the top-scoring English players in the league this season. With months to go before the World Cup, anything can happen. If the Leeds man can continue to find the back of the net this season, then maybe Thomas Tuchel might decide to recall him to the squad.
| Player | Goals Scored |
|---|---|
| Dominic Calvert-Lewin | 7 |
| Lukas Nmecha | 4 |
| Anton Stach | 3 |
| Joe Rodon | 2 |
| Noah Okafor | 2 |
But for now, he is leading the Whites to survival with his goals. Daniel Farke’s decision to back the 28-year old seems to have paid off.
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