Dominic Calvert-Lewin will have been hoping for more than one goal before the November break. Especially because he has started seven Leeds United games in the Premier League.
But that is the case, following Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest. Calvert-Lewin was building his fitness during Leeds’ first three games against Everton, Arsenal and then Newcastle at Elland Road.
However, Calvert-Lewin was inserted into Daniel Farke’s starting line-up against Fulham and until the defeat to Forest, he had remained in the starting XI. An injury prevented Calvert-Lewin starting at Forest.
Just one goal has come Calvert-Lewin’s way, a brilliant header to equalise for Leeds against Wolves, re-adjusting to get on the end of a deflected Jayden Bogle cross. Ross McCormack has an explanation.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin in action during a Premier League clash between Leeds and Tottenham
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Ross McCormack says Leeds aren’t playing to DCL’s strengths
Farke continues to come under intense pressure and criticism with Leeds failing to build on a positive start to the season. Four defeats in their last five games have fans calling for Farke to be sacked now.
Leeds lack any kind of game plan when away from home, and fans are concerned that with Farke in charge, Leeds will go down. On TalkSPORT (11/11, 8.35AM), McCormack discussed Calvert-Lewin’s form.
Ross McCormack celebrates a goal during Barnsley v Leeds United - Sky Bet Championship 2014
Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images
The former Leeds captain believes Leeds do not get enough crosses in for Calvert-Lewin to attack, which ultimately is because of the manager’s tactics. He said: “The team has got to be built around him.
“Your full-backs and your wingers have got to put crosses into the box, and I don’t feel Leeds United do that enough,” McCormack continued, identifying that Leeds are not playing to Calvert-Lewin’s strengths.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
He might not get the service, but DCL is underperforming his XG
In all competitions, Calvert-Lewin has an XG of 3.46, according to FotMob. A large chunk of that is from his substitute outing against Sheffield Wednesday, his debut for Leeds, where he missed big chances.
But since then, Calvert-Lewin has missed golden chances against Bournemouth – put through on goal early, before a Brenden Aaronson overhead kick landed on his head. But he couldn’t find the net.
Calvert-Lewin’s attacking stats in all competitions:
Games Goals XG Shots On Target Assists XA
10 (7 starts) 1 3.46 21 9 0 0.48
There were also chances against Tottenham and Newcastle, that Calvert-Lewin failed to take. Even on Sunday, Calvert-Lewin came off the bench and had chances to equalise, but he failed to score his second.
While McCormack is right, the wingers like Aaronson or Noah Okafor do not put enough crosses in and often come inside instead of swinging a cross in, Calvert-Lewin should have more goals regardless.