Leeds United are reportedly set to bring Dominic Calvert-Lewin onboard ahead of their Premier League campaign, but is he the answer to their striker woes?
When Leeds signed Lukas Nmecha, the club made it clear that they were planning to sign another striker who would go above Nmecha in the pecking order. But that is yet to arrive, despite plenty of rumours and efforts from the Yorkshire club.
Leeds still believe they will get a deal done for Rodrigo Muniz but nothing has materialised and now the club have reportedly signed Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Despite the club pushing on, the potential high cost and Calvert-Lewin’s recent injury record raise questions about whether he is the right fit. These questions bring the focus back to a familiar face: Patrick Bamford.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin playing for Everton.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Is Dominic Calvert-Lewin the answer to Leeds United’s striker issue?
Leeds had apparently walked away from talks with Calvert-Lewin because his agents were requesting a wage of £150,000 a week.
However, TalkSPORT said Calvert-Lewin had sacked his agent in search of a move and now Leeds look to have beaten the likes of Man United and Newcastle to DCL’s signature.
Despite reports that Daniel Farke has told Patrick Bamford he’s not in the plans, Bamford’s superior on-field qualities and his goalscoring record make a compelling case for him being the more effective option, or at least a valuable backup.
Whereas Calvert-Lewin is less involved in build-up play and can be inconsistent in finishing at times. Bamford is a striker who links play, presses, and contributes to the overall team structure.
Patrick Bamford playing for Leeds United.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
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How do Patrick Bamford and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s statistics compare?
To argue that Patrick Bamford is the superior striker, take a look at his remarkable scoring record from his first full Premier League season.
He scored 17 goals in that 2020-21 campaign, a total Dominic Calvert-Lewin has only managed across the last four top-flight seasons combined.
Bamford’s 17 goals in 38 appearances also eclipsed Calvert-Lewin’s personal best of 16 goals in 33 games from the very same year.
This prolific output, coupled with a more efficient goal-per-game ratio during that peak season, strongly suggests Bamford possesses a higher goalscoring ceiling when fully fit and playing in a suitable system.
While Calvert-Lewin has a longer top-flight career, Bamford’s ability to be a clinical and reliable goalscorer when given a consistent run makes a compelling case.
Though injuries have hampered him in recent years, his peak performance proves that when he is on form, he is arguably the better number nine.