'Relief' - Dominic Calvert-Lewin reveals major change between Everton and Leeds United
The Leeds United striker has been excellent since swapping Everton for Elland Road last year.
Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin admits he’s rediscovered the joy of scoring since leaving Everton for Elland Road last year.
Calvert-Lewin has been a revelation since joining Leeds on a free transfer, netting 14 Premier League goals in an excellent debut campaign in West Yorkshire. The 29-year-old is already on four this campaign, his most recent levelling the score in a 1-1 draw against Manchester United.
Last season’s 14-goal tally was Calvert-Lewin’s best since the 2020/21 and the first time he hit double figures since that same campaign. The striker admits that while struggling to score at Everton, goals brought a feeling of relief rather than joy - but he’s rediscovered the enjoyment of finding the net with Leeds.
“There were periods, probably more so at Everton, where it was difficult,” he told GOAL. “And scoring goals felt more like a relief than something that I was really enjoying. The difference in scoring goals at Leeds now is that I enjoy every moment.
“I think because I've been through different periods in my career, I've learned to appreciate it more. I always think to myself that I hope that never changes. I hope I still have that same feeling, that same desire, that same hunger, for as long as I can possibly play.”
Calvert-Lewin’s goals were crucial for Leeds last season and will be again this term, but the striker has proven much more than a finisher. His physicality and hold-up play has arguably been more important as Daniel Farke’s side transitioned from a possession-dominant Championship outfit to more direct in the Premier League.
The Leeds striker has given his fair share of defenders a torrid afternoon, battling for long balls and chasing every loose ball. But while he accepts the role of physical frontman, Calvert-Lewin insists there is plenty more to his game.
“I used to not like ‘Target Man’ so much when I was younger,” he added, “But as I've got older, I've grown to appreciate the ‘Target Man’ label that I've been given. I see it as something that I am exceptionally good at.
“When it comes to being a Target Man, what does that require? My attributes suit that pretty well. I also believe that I can do a little bit more. I've got a little bit more quality than people think. I do have more.”