Leeds United have had plenty to prove since returning to the Premier League, and finding ways to trouble established top-flight defences will be central to their hopes of building on last season’s 14th-place finish.
For Daniel Farke, that means getting the best out of his attacking options. Goals will always dominate the conversation around a centre-forward, but there is more than one way to make life difficult for Premier League defenders.
One of the game’s most recognisable former goalkeepers has now offered an interesting assessment of a Leeds player, highlighting qualities that can often go unnoticed when attention turns to the numbers on the scoresheet.
Speaking on The Overlap Daily, Peter Schmeichel discussed Dominic Calvert-Lewin and explained why he believes the Leeds striker deserves more recognition.
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Schmeichel makes his feelings clear on Calvert-Lewin
“Calvert-Lewin’s playing up front; I think he’s probably one of the most underrated strikers”, Schmeichel said.
“It’s not like he’s scoring 25, but the work he puts in, the space he’s creating for other players, his runs are so good, he’s giving every defender a problem.
“He’s a handful to play against.”
It is a telling assessment from Schmeichel, who has focused on the parts of Calvert-Lewin’s game that do not necessarily show up in a goals tally. The striker’s movement and willingness to work defenders can create opportunities for those around him, even when he doesn’t finish the move.
That can be particularly useful for Leeds, who need their attacking players to work together rather than depend on one source of goals. A forward who occupies centre-backs and creates space can give midfielders and wide players more room to hurt the opposition.
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Why Calvert-Lewin’s all-round game matters for Leeds
Calvert-Lewin will still be judged on his goals, and rightly so. Leeds need him to contribute consistently up front if they want to keep progressing in the Premier League.
But Schmeichel’s comments underline why the striker’s overall contribution matters. His runs can pull defenders out of position, his presence gives Leeds an option when playing directly, and his work off the ball can help create openings for teammates.
Those qualities could prove important over a long season, particularly against sides who defend deep and leave little space in the final third. Leeds need different ways to break teams down, and Calvert-Lewin can offer more than a penalty-box presence.
Schmeichel’s verdict is unlikely to settle every debate about the Leeds forward, but it highlights an overlooked aspect of his game when the focus is solely on goals. If Calvert-Lewin can pair that all-round work with a strong scoring return, Leeds will have another solid season in the Premier League.
