Eyebrows were raised when Leeds United signed Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer in the summer.
On paper, this was an injury-prone forward who was still hoping to replicate one impressive campaign under Carlo Ancelotti at Everton.
In reality, however, Leeds welcomed an experienced Premier League striker who simply needed a fresh start and the right system to get back to his best. Now, he’s arguably the bargain of the season.
The 28-year-old has been a revelation at Elland Road, scoring ten Premier League goals to boost his side’s survival chances with nine games left to play.
How Calvert-Lewin became the bargain of the season
It wasn’t an instant click for Calvert-Lewin – he scored just once in his first ten Premier League appearances for the club.
But, when Daniel Farke found himself 2-0 behind against Manchester City at the Etihad, one swift formation change finally unlocked the door to the goals that the forward had been desperate for.
Switching to a 5-3-2 formation, Farke handed Calvert-Lewin a strike partner and he instantly benefited by halving the deficit before Leeds eventually lost 3-2 at the death against Pep Guardiola’s side.
The signs were there for all to see, however, and Farke stuck with the change to cause the ultimate upset against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge just days later. Once again, Calvert-Lewin scored as the Whites eased to a 3-1 victory.
From there, the Yorkshire side enjoyed a run of two defeats in 11 Premier League games, in which the forward netted seven goals. It’s a run which could prove to be defining by the time that May arrives.
DCL
First 10 games
Last 16 games
Goals
1
9
Assists
0
1
Wins
2
4
Draws
2
7
Defeats
6
5
The numbers speak for themselves. Since Leeds changed formation, the summer arrival has scored eight more goals and the Whites have doubled their number of wins.
From increasing doubters, the forward has become one of the most important players in Leeds’ bid for survival. But he shouldn’t get all the credit if they secure their Premier League status. Alongside him, another former free agent has thrived.
Leeds have struck gold on Elland Road “colossus”
Calvert-Lewin is not the first free agent to enjoy success at Elland Road.
Before him, Pascal Struijk provided the Whites with a bargain pick-up. The defender arrived from Ajax’s youth setup in 2018 and has gradually become more and more important.
Now, he’s on his way to becoming an established Premier League defender and is proving to be one of the best signings that Leeds have made in recent memory. It should come as no surprise that Farke has been full of praise for the Dutchman in the last 12 months, notably hailing him after his performance versus Everton at the start of the campaign.
“He was outstanding, a top performance. Really like a colossus in the defence, he won many, many headers but also Pascal is very good on the ball, good in the build-up which is important and aggressive also in defending forward, good leadership.
“He was in the last season an outstanding player for us, he has proven his worth and of course he is also a big leader in the dressing room.”
The numbers tell a similar story. Only ten players have won more aerial duels than Struijk in the Premier League so far this season and he’s also in the top 91.2% of recoveries with 95 to his name.
Pascal Struijk 25/26
Stats
Minutes
2,258
Recoveries
95
Successful Aerial Duels
81
Tackles
28
If Leeds avoid relegation, then the defender should go down as one of their players of the season. There was a time when some around Elland Road lost faith in him, but Struijk should now be one of the first names on the team sheet.
From a free transfer, to someone who’s now worth £17.5m in the eyes of Transfermarkt, £5m more than Calvert-Lewin, it’s been a great signing.
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