Joe Rodon believes getting the best out of forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin is key to improving Leeds United’s poor run of form away from home.
Daniel Farke desperately needs to improve Leeds’ away form, having claimed just one win from five games on the road in the Premier League, failing to score in four of them.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin faces a race to be fit for the game against Nottingham Forest, having been substituted in the defeat against Brighton with a knock.
However, Leeds need more from their number nine, who has scored just one goal so far this season in the confidence-boosting win over Wolves, being outscored by centre-back Joe Rodon.
Now, Rodon has shared what he believes Leeds need to do to get the best out of Calvert-Lewin as they prepare to face an injury-hit Nottingham Forest side.
Joe Rodon in action for Leeds during a Premier League clash against Everton
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Joe Rodon believes ‘brave’ Leeds United can unlock Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Speaking to BBC West Yorkshire Sport, as Rodon looks to be part of Leeds’ first top-flight away win against Forest since the Don Revie era, the Wales international admitted Leeds needed to be braver in possession to get the best out of Calvert-Lewin.
According to Rodon, Leeds have not been at their dominant best on the ball in away games, and this will be key to unlocking their number nine.
Asked how Leeds can prevent Calvert-Lewin from becoming isolated, Rodon said: “I think it’s probably about being brave.
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“Not just necessarily, I think it’s about more confidence and, like I said, being brave. For me, I know what this team’s capable of, playing with the ball and how comfortable and dominant this team can be on the ball.
“So I think it’s just more believing and probably a big thing, the first 20 minutes, 15 minutes of the away games are really important. You start fast, and I feel like we didn’t do that at the weekend, and then of course, in this league, you’re going to get punished.
“So no, I think there are a lot of things we look at and we try to work on, but a main point is probably just as a team, being confident and brave and smart. Like I said, staying in games and continuing to play and be brave, and just let the rest take care of itself.”
Dominic Calvert-Lewin holds his hands up in anguish and closes his eyes.
Photo by Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Leeds United need to create more for Dominic Calvert-Lewin
In the opening weeks of the season, the Leeds fans’ main complaint over Calvert-Lewin was his wastefulness in front of goal.
Calvert-Lewin missed five big chances in four games, as Leeds dropped several points from strong positions across September and early October.
However, Farke will be concerned that the chances now seem to have dried up for Calvert-Lewin.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s last three games Total
Minutes Played 242
Total Shots 6
Expected Goals 0.46
Big Chances 0
Touches in the Opposition Box 8
According to FotMob, Calvert-Lewin has not had a big chance in Leeds’ last three games, and has managed a total xG of just 0.46 across the three games.
Leeds need to break their run of scoreless games away from home. Their trip to the City Ground would be the perfect time for Calvert-Lewin to end his run without a goal.