Leeds forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored in four games in a row and could replace England captain Harry Kane at next summer’s World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel was at Selhurst Park on Sunday to watch Phil Foden, who is considering a number of options as a number 10 for the World Cup.
However, at London’s G-Tech Stadium, Dominic Calvert-Lewin also scored in four consecutive games, cementing his status as a reserve No.9. And Tuchel’s fellow German Daniel Falke told a friend to call him to tell him what he had missed.
England have options in playmaking roles, with Tuchel also scoring for Cole Palmer on Saturday, but there is no obvious replacement for Harry Kane. Ollie Watkins is out of form and form, Dominic Solanke is injured and Ivan Toney is injured in Saudi Arabia. Tuchel said last month he could play Marcus Rashford or Anthony Gordon in midfield, or Foden as a false nine.
But Calvert-Lewin, who won the last of his 11 caps at Euro 2021, at 6ft 2in provides a real threat in the air and another challenge for defenses.
“When the ball comes in like this, he’s unstoppable,” Coach Farke said of his 82nd-minute header to equalize.
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DCL has played a central role in Leeds’ recent resurgence and is currently on track for his best scoring streak since scoring in four consecutive games at Everton in 2020. After being released in the summer, he has scored as many goals in the last 16 days as any Everton player has achieved in the entire season.
“The goal is always to play for your country and represent your country in the World Cup,” Calvert-Lewin said. “For me, my job is to do what’s best for Leeds United and that’s why I’m here and the rest will take care of itself.”
“For me, he is one of the best English strikers in this league. Harry Kane, who plays for Bayern Munich in Germany, is definitely one of the best English strikers in the Premier League and will be a key player for us going forward,” Farke said.
At 28 years old, he should be at the peak of his career.
Asked if he would appeal the DCL case to Tuchel, the Leeds manager smiled and said: “I have a very good relationship with Thomas, so I’m not going to make any recommendations.
“He will know exactly what it takes to win a World Cup. He (DCL) has a lot of caps for England and a good goalscoring record.
“I think these goals are even more remarkable for a promoted team that doesn’t play as dominantly than for a team competing for the title, so he will have a chance to be in the spotlight.
“My relationship with Thomas is very close and I know that if he has any questions he can call my number and we can talk about it. It always depends on performance and I think the sky is the limit for Dominic. Thomas, you can always call me!”
Falke’s fate, and that of his team, is now closely linked to Calvert-Lewin’s form and fitness. If he stays on the pitch, Leeds can continue to stand, although his career has been plagued by injuries. And he might be able to play in the World Cup.
“I feel good and I’m healthy,” he told Sky Sports. Performance speaks for itself at this point. This has been the best fit for me for a long time and I have worked extremely hard to get into this position.
“Once a certain narrative is created around you and you get smeared with a certain brush, it’s hard to shake it off. So for me it’s always been about being mentally tough at a certain point and hanging in there and putting together a performance. Suddenly, the tide starts to turn and you start scoring goals. That’s life as a centre-forward.”
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