Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s debut for Leeds United could not have gone much worse on Tuesday night, as The Whites crashed out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday.
Leeds were expected to go to Hillsborough and cruise past a Sheffield Wednesday side in disarray off the pitch. Unable to pay players, a squad ripped apart to balance the books and relegation widely expected.
Sheffield Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen said he would field a young side, and he did. The average age of Wednesday’s side was just 21, with Jamal Lowe and Ethan Horvath the only senior players in the XI.
Leeds made nine changes, but it was a star-studded side full of internationals. Joel Piroe and Ilia Gruev remained in the starting XI as five full debuts were handed to the likes of Jaka Bijol and Lukas Nmecha.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin in action for Leeds.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Dominic Calvert-Lewin issues honest message to Leeds fans
But it did not go to plan. Leeds were flat in the first half and a dismal error from Karl Darlow finally sprung some life into the Leeds players. Substitute Jayden Bogle opened his account for the 2025-26 season.
With the score at 1-1, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced off the bench to make his debut – but the England international showed rustiness. Three huge chances missed, and blazing his penalty over the bar.
Leeds crashed out on penalties, with Calvert-Lewin, Piroe and Sean Longstaff all missing. Following the match, Calvert-Lewin took to Instagram to almost apologise to Leeds fans following his first outing.
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He said: “Very proud to make my debut for this great club, but also disappointed with how it went. I came here to give everything, and that’s what I will continue to do. Can’t wait to see you all at Elland Road.”
What Daniel Farke said about Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s debut
It is clear that Calvert-Lewin is still working to get back to his normal level, with Daniel Farke recently saying the striker is undergoing his own mini pre-season having not trained with a club this summer.
Having got his first minutes and missing three big chances, Farke defended Calvert-Lewin: “On a normal day he scores two. We don’t need to be critical with him after a long break, just back in team training.”
Signed on a free, Calvert-Lewin is a low-risk signing but given the calibre of the player, the fact he turned down Fenerbahce and that Leeds haven’t signed another striker, the pressure is on for Calvert-Lewin.