Monday night’s impressive 4-1 hammering of Newcastle United at Elland Road was the latest piece of evidence that Leeds United supporters should be dreaming big this campaign.
Daniel Farke has led the Whites to an unbeaten start to the 2026/27 campaign, subsequently seeing his side sit in third position after the first four Premier League outings.
Such a start has generated a sense of optimism within the fanbase that the club could mount a charge for Europe this term – something which hasn’t happened in the last 24 years.
If the Whites are to ensure a season to remember this time around, the manager will no doubt be relying on one player to provide the goods at Elland Road.
How Calvert-Lewin could fire Leeds to Europe in 2026/27
Eyebrows were raised last summer when Leeds completed the signing of Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer following his release from fellow top-flight outfit Everton.
Concerns were raised in Yorkshire about the 29-year-old’s fitness levels after missing the vast majority of the two previous campaigns on Merseyside with injury.
However, it’s safe to say he silenced his critics last campaign, subsequently netting 14 times in England’s top-flight – the most of any player within Farke’s squad.
In 2026/27, he’s continued his phenomenal form within the final third, subsequently scoring twice and laying on an assist and helping the Whites maintain their unbeaten record this term.
Calvert-Lewin’s best display to date undoubtedly came against Newcastle on Monday night, as he teed up the opener, before netting the second during the 4-1 hammering.
Alongside his goal and assist at Elland Road on Monday night, the Englishman managed to complete two dribbles and won 67% of his aerial battles.
Such numbers showcase his incredible ability to lead the line and provide a focal point – something which is vital if the club are to be successful in Farke’s system.
Since returning to the Premier League, Leeds have spent upwards of £180m on new additions, which has allowed the club to be a force to be reckoned with in England’s top-flight.
The first summer back saw shrewd business being completed, whilst the recent window allowed for big money to be spent on key players to improve the quality at Farke’s disposal.
Tarik Muharemovic and James Trafford have both arrived at Elland Road in recent months and have already cemented their place as regular starters in Yorkshire.
However, both players will have a way to go if they are to emulate the impact of midfielder Anton Stach after his own move to join the club during last summer’s window.
The German arrived from Hoffenheim for a reported £18m last summer, subsequently handing the manager a proven top-quality asset at both ends of the pitch.
He’s certainly exceeded all the expectations placed upon him by the supporters in Yorkshire, with the 27-year-old undoubtedly becoming one of the manager’s most influential players.
Stach’s stats from the recent victory over Newcastle highlight his quality at both ends of the pitch, further highlighting why he’s been the club’s best signing in recent years.
The German international created three chances during the encounter, whilst completing two successful dribbles – with the former of the two stats the highest of any player from either side.
Such numbers showcase his tremendous ability to create danger with the ball at his feet, subsequently handing Farke the added threat he craves in attacking areas.
Stach also managed to make six crosses during the triumph, whilst achieving a 91% pass completion rate, as he often set the tempo for the attacks from deep-lying positions.
Anton Stach – stats against Newcastle | |
|---|---|
Statistics | Tally |
Minutes played | 88 |
Touches | 49 |
Pass accuracy | 91% |
Crosses attempted | 6 |
Chances created | 3 |
Defensive contributions | 10 |
Ball recoveries | 5 |
Tackles made | 2 |
Even without the ball, he managed to dominate the Magpies, subsequently making 10 defensive contributions – including five ball recoveries and two tackles.
He was only dribbled past on one occasion, with many players across the Premier League unable to break through the partnership he’s formed with Ethan Ampadu.
Whilst Calvert-Lewin will undoubtedly steal most of the limelight with his efforts in the final third, it’s important the midfielder is handed his flowers during the ongoing success.
Stach is often the heartbeat of Farke’s side at present, with his signing undoubtedly a 9/10, with the only downside to his arrival being his regular struggles with injury from time to time.
His £18m move last summer now looks to be a phenomenal piece of business and one which could allow the Whites to fight for a European spot in the months ahead.
Source: www.footballfancast.com
