Is Calvert-Lewin a Bamford Replacement?

What a leap into very deep water the Leeds United recruitment team, Daniel Farke and the bankrolling 49’rs ownership have taken with the decision to invest heavily with the services of an Everton legend that has played infrequently, scored minimally and impressed rarely over the last two seasons. His performances during the Ancelloti years had proven fruitful with a system that suited his style and a goal return that suited the Everton fans. But thereafter, the fitness has faltered, the goals have disappeared and Dominic Calvert Lewin had been confronted with the harsh reality of life on the bench and the role of striker a rapidly diminishing memory. 

Surprise addition

With a very substantial portion of the transfer window invested with the assumption that Rodrigo Muniz Carvalho would be leading the line for the Elland Road club, it was a hammer blow that, not for the first time, Fulham changed tack and Leeds United’s top target was no longer available. It seemed as if in an act of panic, the decision was made to suddenly finalise a deal that introduced DCL to the West Yorkshire fold as the clock ran down and other options rapidly disappeared. The echoes of disappointment and frustration with the dearth of added firepower at the latter stages of the recruitment process gave momentum to an increasingly tangible resignation felt by many of the faithful. Had the club reneged on the promises of a squad capable of holding their own in the premiership? Was DCL an act of desperation and the final resort?

A worrying introduction

Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup created near hysteria as the whole team failed to deliver anything that barely resembled cohesion. Flagrant humiliation had followed an ignominious defeat at the Emirates. Okafor looked sluggish and out of sorts, Harrison was crossing to nobody and launching balls into touch. Gnonto came on and did little. But the chief concern was Dominic Calvert Lewin who could have scored a hattrick if he had been wearing the right hat. Unfortunately, with a yard too slow and a failing touch it genuinely appeared as if DCL was a gamble that could rapidly backfire. Although an undeniable poacher’s instinct was still evident and an enthusiasm to locate opportunistic positioning still remained, little encouragement was to be gleaned by the initial performances of the new Leeds striker.

Sunshine after the rain

Then on Saturday at Molineux, the dark clouds lifted from the ineffectual, unremarkable and anonymous attacking personnel that Leeds United had commissioned to create opportunity and score goals. Okafor contributed 14 dribbles succeeding in 6 in the first half alone. He scored a tremendous goal from the left as a result of his endeavour and looked truly dangerous for probably the first time in a Leeds shirt. The daunting Anton Stach who has been a revelation and provides another midfield colossus, scored from a set piece that could have resulted in a replacement net. But it was Dominic Calvert Lewin who everyone from Leeds hoped would be capable of recapturing the aptitude that had garnered a revered reputation who probably merited the most welcome plaudits. Not since the days of Brian Dean, Lee Chapman or Chris Wood have Leeds United enjoyed the services of an old school striker with genuine presence in the box and an ability to head a cross regardless of the attention afforded by zealous defending. As Jayden Bogle launched a hopeful cross into the box with 3 Wolves defenders in attendance of the lone striker, DCL leaped into the air and made mockery of physics and gravity, connecting with a ball that he had no right to win. As the ball powered into the net with unnatural velocity from a head that was compromised by a disadvantageous position, the position of Leeds United changed in an instant.

They are scoring again and at this moment in time, it really looks as if the DCL gamble could pay off. If he stays fit and continues to perform in the same fashion that signalled his first goal for the club, Dominic Calvert Lewin, irrespective of his hefty remuneration, could materialise as the best free signing any club in the premiership could have made.