Leeds United lost 2-1 to Tottenham Hotspur and Dominic Calvert-Lewin was at the heart of some of the biggest moments of the match, yet again.
Leeds United could not protect their long unbeaten run at Elland Road, allowing Spurs to break records against Leeds in the process.
The player ratings for Leeds against Tottenham reflect a wastefulness in the final third, which is the first time that has happened this season. Reflecting post-match, Dominic Calvert-Lewin admitted Leeds needed better.
Despite missing a few chances, Darren Bent and Lucy Ward know Calvert-Lewin will be crucial for Leeds. The same could be said of the Leeds manager, with Daniel Farke offering Calvert-Lewin advice after Spurs.
Peter Crouch gives Calvert-Lewin verdict during Leeds against Spurs
Farke also admitted Calvert-Lewin is frustrated behind the scenes. However, his all-round play cannot be questioned, with the 28-year-old able to pin his opponent and provide a platform for the team as a whole.
Speaking on TNT Sports during punditry duties, Peter Crouch praised the striker for his role in Leeds’ goal to make it 1-1. At half-time, Crouch said: “Yeah I thought he was a class act.
“It’s just presence of mind. So many strikers would’ve gone for goal there. He’s an unselfish player, Dominic Calvert-Lewin. It was a good ball in from [Jayden] Bogle and it was a lovely touch, that. Just sets it.
“A cruel deflection, really. [I] couldn’t blame [Guglielmo] Vicario. It’s taken a wicked deflection there and it’s arrived right up there for [Noah] Okafor.”
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However, Crouch wasn’t just full of praise for Calvert-Lewin, as he also criticised his wayward finishing in the game.
At full-time, Crouch added: “I look at Calvert-Lewin today, and what he is really good at is bringing others into the game and linking up with his teammates”
“He creates chances for those around him and also gets himself in great positions to score goals. But you look at some of those chances today, there is one of them where he has to take it and get that goal.
“In the end, as harsh as it is, it’s probably cost them the game. But he will always cause problems to defenders and, I’m sure, the goals will come.”
The comments are not dissimilar from what Wayne Rooney said regarding Calvert-Lewin, too. It’s evident where he needs to improve or simply act as more of a facilitator for other Leeds players to score.
Joe Hart’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin verdict
Hart, also speaking at full-time, explained his feelings on Calvert-Lewin’s move this summer. He said: “I was really interested to see where he would end up.
“And I think being here at Leeds is a really good fit for him. He will score goals if you can keep him fit.
“And, I think, at this club, with these fans behind him, he’s going to really thrive here when he turns those chances into goals.”