Dominic Calvert-Lewin has revealed how Daniel Farke’s tactical switch at Leeds United transformed his season, describing the move to a back-three system in November as the moment everything “clicked” for him.
There was a noticeable contrast in his performances before and after the adjustment. Ahead of Leeds’ 3-2 defeat to Manchester City, the striker had managed only one goal in 10 league appearances. However, his strike at the Etihad sparked a remarkable run of seven goals in eight matches, earning him the Premier League Player of the Month award for December.
Although his scoring streak slowed between February and April — with only two league goals in nine games — Calvert-Lewin remained crucial to Leeds’ attacking play and has finished the campaign strongly, scoring four goals in his last five Premier League outings.
His late-season form has also reignited discussions around an England recall, especially after Thomas Tuchel handed him his first international appearance in nearly five years back in March.
A major factor behind his resurgence, according to Calvert-Lewin, was Farke’s tactical reshuffle. Reflecting on the Manchester City clash during Leeds’ official podcast, the 29-year-old explained how the new system improved his game.
“It changed everything, and the whole team could feel it,” he said. “Personally, I started getting more support around me. Before that, I often felt isolated up front. It took time to find my rhythm because I’d missed pre-season and confidence was low, but from that point it felt like a switch had been flipped and we were ready.”
While details remain unclear over whether the turning point came during half-time or elsewhere around the match, Calvert-Lewin is understood to have spoken up in the dressing room to motivate teammates during the trip to the Etihad.
Now one of the senior figures in the squad, the striker admitted his leadership role at Leeds differs greatly from his experience at Everton.
“At Everton, there were older players who carried the responsibility of leading the group,” he explained. “Here, I’ve had to recognise moments when the team needed someone to step up, speak out, lead by example or be more vocal.
“I’ve tried to understand what the squad needs throughout the season and contribute little things when necessary. That’s probably been the biggest lesson for me — becoming more of a leader.”
