Leeds United have managed to maintain a six-point buffer over teams in the relegation zone despite only managing a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Up against a Villa team with their sights set on Champions League football, the Whites displayed grit and calmness throughout. They matched the home side’s tempo, remained disciplined defensively and coped with the pressure in a composed manner. The draw felt deserved, important not only for the extra breathing space in the table, but for the growing belief it reinforces within the squad.
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Anton Stach’s superbly struck free-kick midway through the first half put Leeds in front at Villa Park, and for long periods it looked like that moment of quality would be enough to settle it. However, Tammy Abraham’s late goal ensured the spoils were shared in the end.
Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker have already praised Ethan Ampadu. However, the duo picked up one more Leeds star for praise for his impact this season.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin earns praise from Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker
Alan Shearer pointed out that last summer, big money was spent on several strikers. However, the pick of the bunch has been Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who joined Leeds on a free transfer.
He believes the 21-year-old has been one of the best strikers in the Premier League this season despite attracting little headlines last summer.
The former Newcastle striker stressed that the key thing has been Calvert-Lewin’s fitness, which has resulted in brilliant performances for Leeds.
Shearer said on the Rest is Football podcast, “You know you mentioned earlier about all the strikers, and how much money’s been paid and Sesko and Woltemade and Wissa and Gyokeres and all these guys.
“One of the best around, who has been for a while, is Calvert-Lewin.”
Lineker then said: “He just needed to stay fit, didn’t he?”
“Yeah thats the thing, they took a punt on him, and he’s a handful, and you’re right, just staying fit for him isn’t it, that’s been his problem”, Shearer added.
He deserves to go to the World Cup
Thomas Tuchel isn’t due to announce his next England squad until next month, when the national team reconvenes for a couple of friendlies, including an eye-catching clash with Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay.
There’s still plenty of football to be played before Tuchel finalises his selection, which gives several players a real opportunity to push their case.
Leeds United badge Dominic Calvert-Lewin – Leeds United Stats This Season
Competition breakdown: appearances, goals, assists and minutes played
Competition Matches Goals Assists Minutes
Premier League 24 10 1 1,761′
FA Cup 1 0 0 52′
EFL Cup 1 0 0 32′
Total 26 10 1 1,845′
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is certainly one of them. He’s in excellent form at the moment, looking sharper and more self-assured than he has in quite some time. If he can stay fit and maintain his scoring run, the calls for his inclusion will only grow louder.
Ollie Watkins, on the other hand, appears to have rediscovered some momentum after a difficult first half of the season. Even so, he’s struggled for consistency overall, despite playing in a Villa side chasing Champions League qualification.