'Dominic Calvert-Lewin used to be a rival - Leeds United striker is an absolute nightmare'
The Leeds United striker has come in for praise following his goal against Manchester United.
Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been labelled an ‘absolute nightmare’ for centre-backs following his performance against Manchester United.
Calvert-Lewin grabbed his fourth Premier League goal of the season in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Elland Road, cancelling out Bryan Mbeumo’s opener to earn a point. The 29-year-old was well-placed to meet Tarik Muharemovic’s header before steadying himself and finishing from close range on his way down.
Even against the physical Harry Maguire, Calvert-Lewin had plenty of joy getting on the end of long balls and has regularly bullied less imposing centre-backs. Former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard used to view the striker as a Merseyside foe but admits delight at seeing a fellow England international healthy and scoring.
“I only knew Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a rival Everton player before he joined Leeds, followed him for England a lot as well and I’ve met him a couple of times,” Gerrard told The Overlap. “He's a great kid. The best thing for me is to see him playing, staying healthy and consistently completing games.
“If he's fit and available, everyone knows the level of player you're dealing with. He must be an absolute nightmare for centre-backs because he can do everything. He's good on the floor with his hold-up play, he's quick, he can run the shoulders and score with both feet and he’s so dangerous from crosses, as he showed from the set-piece.”
Leeds’ set-piece threat was particularly important on Sunday with the attack not clicking in open-play. Calvert-Lewin was often left to chase his own flick ons while neither Anton Stach nor Noah Okafor could cause any consistent problems.
Calvert-Lewin’s leveller looked simple and a little scruffy at first but replays showed his conversation with Muharemovic seconds before the corner came in. And the striker did brilliantly to get himself in front of Manchester United’s Mbeumo, control the ball and then strike it cleanly on the way to ground.
“He out-strengthened Mbeumo for the goal and the finish is terrific on the side,” Gerrard added, reflecting on the equaliser. “He’s in great form, his confidence is high. For me, it was all about getting his body right, fit and available to play repeat matches.
“I never had a doubt the level of player he is because I saw him doing it a number of times for Everton and for England. It's great to see him back scoring goals and enjoying his football again."