Dominic Calvert-Lewin didn’t cover himself in glory in Leeds United’s 1-0 defeat against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.
Daniel Farke’s side couldn’t make the most of their opportunity, as their push for a first FA Cup final in 53 years ended in a narrow defeat at Wembley.
A first-half goal from Enzo Fernandez ultimately settled it, sending Chelsea through to next month’s final against Manchester City.
However, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was one of the players who missed chances in the game, which could have brought Leeds back into the fixture at Wembley.
Steven Gerrard hammers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and his inconsistency
Calvert-Lewin has scored just once from open play in his last 18 appearances, and goals have dried up for him in the last few months.
Gerrard insisted that he is not surprised to see the Leeds striker struggling, as he has always been a kind of forward who only scores in patches.
He insisted that Calvert-Lewin has other qualities as a number 9. However, he is never going to be prolific in front of goal as he has never shown that side of his game.
Gerrard said on TNT Sports: “He’s just that kind of player is Calvert-Lewin, he only seems to hit form in patches. That’s always been the case.
“You look at his record down the year, and it’s full of a few purple patches, but he’s never ever been a prolific striker.
“That record [of one goal from open play in his last 18 appearances] does not surprise me at all. He just isn’t a prolific striker.
“He has a lot of other qualities, but being a consistent goalscorer isn’t one of them. That stat just does not surprise me one bit.”
Leeds need an upgrade
Calvert-Lewin has played a big part in dragging Leeds to the cusp of Premier League survival, which they are expected to secure in the next couple of weeks.
However, his form over the last few months has shown that Leeds cannot depend on him to be a regular supplier of goals for too long in the Premier League.
If Leeds stay up, they need an upgrade on the former Everton striker who can either partner him or replace the forward in the starting eleven next season.
The Whites cannot afford to stand still and need a better striker up front who can score more consistently and step up in the big moments better than Calvert-Lewin.
