Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Leeds United team news v Everton.
(Credit: Imago)
Declan Carr
Sat 16 August 2025 14:40, UK
Dominic Calvert-Lewin could make his Leeds United debut against his former club, Everton.
Calvert-Lewin left the Merseyside outfit after nine years upon the expiry of his contract, and the Whites have picked him up in a smart free transfer.
The veteran striker has signed a three-year deal at Elland Road, and the hope is that he can help Daniel Farke’s side in their Premier League survival battle.
Calvert-Lewin could earn around £80,000-a-week at Leeds, and he will hope to start justifying their belief in him as soon as possible.
Leeds target Dominic Calvert-Lewin's all-time Premier League stats.
Calvert-Lewin’s all-time top-flight stats. (Credit: Imago)
Calvert-Lewin to be benched against Everton
Calvert-Lewin’s fitness is the biggest issue for Leeds, as it proved to be a problem in his final few seasons at Goodison Park.
MORE LEEDS STORIES
A report from Mail Sport (16 August) claims that the ex-England ace has trained heavily with specialist coaches, and the word from Thorp Arch is he already looks in good shape.
However, it states that Farke will not rush him into action, and he will likely start from the bench against his former employers.
How Leeds could line up vs Everton.
Leeds can get the best out of Calvert-Lewin
Given the uncertainty around their forward situation, with doubts about Joel Piroe’s ability at the top level and Mateo Joseph’s departure, it made sense to bring in Calvert-Lewin.
The best way for Leeds to get the best out of their new striker would be to slowly reintroduce him back to action until he is at full fitness.
With just the new man and Piroe at his disposal, Farke cannot afford to risk Calvert-Lewin, given his injury history in recent years.
Calvert-Lewin has missed 83 matches for club and country since the 2021/22 campaign
This strategy of giving him minutes from the bench could pay off massively, as the former Three Lions star could find his best form again in LS11.
It remains to be seen whether the gamble pays off for Farke and Co., but the way that they are going about it is the best way to try and get him back to the player he once was.
At his best, Calvert-Lewin is a nightmare for Premier League defences to handle, a monster in the air, a hold-up wizard, who is also capable of scoring a lot of goals.
It could prove to be an astute signing for the Peacocks.
Sign up for the MOT Leeds News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Leeds United news sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts