Former Match of the Day pundit Mark Schwarzer has praised Dominic Calvert-Lewin after the striker fired Leeds United to a dramatic late victory over Brighton at Elland Road.
Calvert-Lewin struck deep into stoppage time to hand Leeds a thrilling 1-0 win in their final home match of the season, sending the crowd into wild celebrations.
Goalkeeper Karl Darlow also played a key role in the result, producing a superb first-half save that drew admiration from Peter Schmeichel. There was concern later in the game, though, as Anton Stach was stretchered off after suffering a leg injury.
The winning goal was Calvert-Lewin’s 14th in the Premier League this season and further highlighted the value Leeds have gained from signing him on a free transfer last summer.
Schwarzer full of praise for Calvert-Lewin
When Leeds brought in Calvert-Lewin, many supporters and pundits questioned the decision because of the striker’s injury record during his final years at Everton.
Schwarzer admitted the doubts were understandable, but stressed that the forward has silenced critics with his performances this season.
“There has never been any question about his quality,” Schwarzer said on Match of the Day.
“He is a top-class striker whose career has been disrupted by injuries.
“The big concern was whether he could stay fit long enough to have an impact.
“He has answered every one of those questions and has been outstanding for Leeds.
“In the end, it was not a gamble at all.”
One of the best signings of the season
Leeds supporters were initially underwhelmed when the club signed Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer, with many hoping for a high-profile striker instead.
The former Everton forward was not Leeds’ first target, but after missing out on several options, the club decided to take a chance on him.
That decision has proved to be a masterstroke.
With 14 league goals to his name, Leeds’ recruitment team deserve huge credit for backing Calvert-Lewin despite the concerns surrounding his fitness.
Considering the huge fees paid for strikers such as Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres last summer, Calvert-Lewin’s impact makes him one of the bargains of the campaign.
Leeds are still expected to add another striker in the next transfer window, but finding someone capable of matching Calvert-Lewin’s influence at Elland Road will not be easy.
