Former Leeds United defender Aidy White has praised one unsung hero after the Whites secured a much-needed win over West Ham at Elland Road.
Brenden Aaronson earned a degree of redemption with the Leeds fans as he scored his first Premier League goal in three years to set the Whites on the path to victory.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke was full of praise for the American forward, describing Aaronson as his man of the match after an all-action display.
However, former Leeds defender White had a different perspective on Leeds’ unsung hero in the game, as they temporarily climbed to 13th place in the Premier League table.
According to White, Leeds forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin deserves praise for the way he led the line in a tense victory over the Hammers.
Daniel Farke embraces Dominic Calvert-Lewin after taking him off.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Aidy White praises Dominic Calvert-Lewin after Leeds United win
Speaking at full-time of the BBC Radio Leeds coverage of Leeds’ win over West Ham, White singled out Calvert-Lewin for his selfless performance.
According to White, although Calvert-Lewin did not get his name on the scoresheet in the victory at Elland Road, he deserves credit for the work he did in helping his team off the ball.
White said: “There was not a lot of support up to Calvert-Lewin, but fair play to the lad. He worked his socks off, and he did what he could.
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“Yes, he wasn’t on the score sheet, but in terms of his all-round performance and his help for the team was outstanding tonight from Calvert-Lewin.”
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Brenden Aaronson celebrate during Leeds United v West Ham United - Premier League
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Dominic Calvert-Lewin was isolated against West Ham
Calvert-Lewin was a menace to the West Ham defence in the first half, constantly challenging for the ball, harrying the back four and making threatening runs to create space for Leeds’ midfield.
However, his impact diminished in the second half as Leeds were forced to sit deeper and deeper, and the Leeds forward inevitably tired.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin v West Ham
Total Shots:
Expected Goals: 1
Chances Created: 1
Aerial Duels Won / Attempted: 3/16
Ground Duels Won / Attempted: 3 / 6
The FotMob stats highlight how few chances Calvert-Lewin had in front of goal, as he was restricted to just one shot, with an expected goals total of 0.1.
But his work-rate is showcased by attempted duels, as Calvert-Lewin challenged for the ball in the air 16 times and won three of his six ground duels.