Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored his first goal for Leeds United in their 3-1 win over Wolves at Molineux on Saturday. The goal relieved some of the pressure on him after he joined the club on a free transfer over the last summer transfer window.
The 28-year-old striker left Everton at the end of last season when his contract expired, but Leeds waited until August to secure him on a free transfer. The Whites missed out on a couple of top targets before they decided to pivot towards Calvert-Lewin.
He scored 18 Premier League goals in his previous four seasons, and his injury issues over the last couple of years have led to question marks over his long-term fitness.
Calvert-Lewin is under pressure to perform at Leeds, and the goal against Wolves will give him confidence to build on the performance and become the target man that the Whites require to stay in the Premier League this season.
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‘Calvert-Lewin will score goals if Leeds can keep him fit’ – Alan Shearer
Calvert-Lewin took a while to get back to fitness this season after missing pre-season, but it appears he is now the first-choice striker at Leeds.
He looked fit and sharp against Wolves and was only taken off towards the end when it became clear that Leeds were going to win for certain.
Shearer conceded that keeping him fit will be Leeds’ challenge, as if the midfielders can get the ball to him in the right areas, Calvert-Lewin will score goals for the Whites.
However, he admitted that there is a big question mark over his ability to stay for any lengthy period.
“That’s the big thing, staying fit with him”, Shearer said on the Rest is Football podcast.
“If they can get balls up to him and in to him, he can score goals. But it is a big if, if he can stay fit.”
Managing Calvert-Lewin’s workload will be Farke’s challenge
Calvert-Lewin was taken off in the 90th minute against Wolves, and there is an argument that Daniel Farke could have easily substituted him earlier in the second half.
Managing Calvert-Lewin’s minutes, workload and training sessions is going to be vital if Leeds are to keep him fit and sharp for a large majority of the season.
His injury issues mean that the striker may need to be treated differently, even in training, to ensure they get his best version on the pitch this season.
He remains a top striker when fit, but Calvert-Lewin can’t be run to the ground if Leeds want their number 9 to start most of their Premier League games.
