Premier League
254

Dominic Calvert

Dominic Calvert Lewin celebrating his goal for Leeds against Brentford

“The Horizon Is Limitless”: Calvert-Lewin’s Revival

Overview of Calvert-Lewin’s Performance

Dominic Calvert-Lewin expressed his thoughts after Leeds United managed to draw against Brentford. Having scored the equalizer, he reflected on his journey to change public perception.

Prior to the last international break, Calvert-Lewin found the net only once since joining Leeds United, leading many fans to compare his performance to a disappointing final season at Everton, where he only scored three times due to injuries.

However, following the return of the Premier League in mid-November, he has surged, netting four times in five matches, including goals in the last four games.

His most recent goal, a perfectly executed header, was crucial for Leeds as it lifted them above the relegation zone.

After achieving his 62nd Premier League goal, Calvert-Lewin shared with Sky Sports, “I’m feeling positive. My performances are reflecting that.”

Key Quotes from Calvert-Lewin

  • “For me, it was always about having mental resilience during tough times and progressively building performances. Eventually, the momentum shifts, and goals will come. That’s just part of being a striker.”
  • “In football, it’s vital to focus on what you can control; allowing external pressures to affect you can lead to a downward spiral. I keep my close circle—my wife, daughter, and father—to stay grounded.”

The Fittest He’s Ever Felt

Calvert-Lewin finalized a three-year deal with Leeds on a free transfer in August, leaving Everton after a challenging nine-year stint marred by injuries that sidelined him for nearly 600 days since the 2018-19 season.

This season, however, he has actively participated in 14 of Leeds’ 16 Premier League matches.

“I’ve never felt fitter in a long time, and I’ve put in a lot of effort to reach this state,” he mentioned.

His recent goal-scoring form coincides with a renewed determination in Leeds’ quest for Premier League survival, as they have garnered five points in their last three fixtures after ending a four-match losing streak.

Conor Coady, a former teammate, stated, “If Leeds can keep him healthy and performing well, they have a strong chance of remaining in the Premier League.”

Coady emphasized Calvert-Lewin’s versatility, noting, “Though some see him as just a tall striker to hit long balls to, he possesses technical skills that enable him to contribute in a variety of ways, such as holding up the ball and transitioning play.”

Considerations for National Team Selection

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has expressed optimism about Calvert-Lewin’s potential return to the England squad, having praised him as one of the top English strikers in the Premier League.

“My relationship with England’s coach, Thomas Tuchel, is solid. If he has questions about players, he knows he can reach out,” Farke commented.

He added, “It ultimately boils down to performance, but I believe there are no limits for Dominic. His quality has always been evident, despite recent years of bad luck with injuries. He is undoubtedly one of the top English strikers in our league.”

When asked about the possibility of aiming for a place in the 2026 World Cup, Calvert-Lewin responded, “Playing for my country and representing it at a World Cup is always a goal. But my priority is to deliver my best for Leeds first and foremost.”

Calvert-Lewin’s Journey to Leeds

Leeds had shown interest in Calvert-Lewin at the start of the summer transfer window, and his acquisition was considered a strategic move rather than a hasty reaction.

Although he was linked with both Manchester United and Newcastle, Leeds seized the opportunity to sign him, with Farke believing in his potential to lead the team higher in the league standings.

With strong performance and teamwork, Calvert-Lewin has become a pivotal figure for Leeds, winning fan admiration for his contributions on and off the field.

“He’s like a fine wine, maturing with age. He seems to have found his place here and his impact on others is evident,” a source noted.

Despite initial hiccups, including a missed penalty on his debut, he’s now enjoying his best goal streak since playing under Carlo Ancelotti at Everton.

While a return to the England team might seem distant, consistent scoring will make it increasingly hard for the national selectors to overlook him.