"Surprisingly not" - Leeds United star's 'designated penalty taker' insight and response to 'pressure' claim
A Leeds United star has been discussing Whites penalty taking duties.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has provided Leeds United designated penalty taker insight and batted off a Whites pressure claim.
Leeds were awarded their third spot kick of the season in Saturday evening’s Premier League hosting of defending champions Liverpool which Calvert-Lewin his the first chance to net from 12 yards out since joining the Whites.
Fellow summer signing Lukas Nmecha took United’s first penalty of the season in the first game of the new campaign at home to Calvert-Lewin’s former club Everton which Calvert-Lewin missed after only just signing for the Whites.
Nmecha scored to seal a 1-0 win against the Toffees but Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha were both on the pitch as Leeds were given their second penalty of the season in the clash at Manchester City at the end of last month.
Despite Calvert-Lewin’s presence, Nmecha again took the spot kick which was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, only for Nmecha to then convert the rebound.
A hamstring strain then forced Nmecha to miss last weekend’s hosting of Liverpool, for which Calvert-Lewin was quick to grab the ball as referee Anthony Taylor eventually awarded a spot kick for a foul on Willy Gnonto.
There was no hesitation in Calvert-Lewin both stepping up or converting as the striker applied a clinical finish which started United’s fightback in sealing an amazing 3-3 draw.
"I knew it was going to be me”
Taking the spot kick with Leeds 2-0 down appeared a high pressure situation in front of the Kop, but not for Calvert-Lewin who said he was United’s designated penalty taker vs Liverpool and one “feeling good” as he stepped up from 12 yards out.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, Calvert-Lewin was asked if he felt pressure at the Kop end in stepping up to take such a penalty but said: “Surprisingly not. I felt good.
"I think it's always good when you are scoring goals and you get a penalty.
"I've also taken a penalty off the back of a barren run and scored so I think experience brings confidence for me.
"I'm quite well experienced in that area and I knew where I was going to put it and thankfully it went in.
"I was designated penalty taker today so if the ref pointed to the spot I knew it was going to be me.
"As soon as he has gone over to the screen I am already going through my process and getting in the zone and thinking about putting the ball on the spot."
Pressed on scoring another goal against Liverpool, Calvert-Lewin said: "I'll take it and I always like hitting the back of the net, regardless of who it's against. It was a great night for us."