Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' data‑driven column where Nick Wright mixes statistics with insight to highlight the Premier League stories you need to know. This week’s highlights include: - Calvert‑Lewin’s all‑round attacking threat - Brobbey’s mastery of hold‑up play - Anderson stepping into Rodri’s shoes - A player to keep an eye on this weekend Dominic Calvert‑Lewin, thanks to a correction from the goal‑accreditation appeals panel, now has three Premier League goals to his name this season – a tally that places him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
That revised total has helped him earn a well‑deserved recall to the England squad. When you consider all competitions, Calvert‑Lewin has found the net nine times in 15 appearances since April.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke praised his form after the striker’s starring performance in a 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United, saying, “He is in outstanding shape and playing with a lot of confidence.” The data tells a clear story about Calvert‑Lewin’s evolution. Throughout his career, especially during his final two seasons at Everton, his shot maps have shown a heavy concentration of attempts from the centre of the box. What has changed at Leeds is his conversion rate – he is now turning a significantly higher proportion of those chances into goals.
At Everton, Calvine‑Lewin was often criticised for wastefulness; he struggled to finish the chances he created. Remarkably, he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored in his last four seasons at Everton in just a handful of games for Leeds. As Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher observed, “Sometimes a move rejuvenates a player.” The underlying expected‑goals (xG) versus actual‑goals data illustrates the narrowing gap between the quality of chances he creates and the number he actually scores.
Carragher added, “Maybe composure let him down at times in his career, but not here.” His two goals against Newcastle showcased the breadth of his skill set. The first was a textbook leap and header to meet James Justin’s cross, while the second saw him make a darting run behind the defence, meet Tarik Muharemovic’s first‑time pass and finish cleanly past the keeper. Farke described him after the match as “one of the standout strikers in the league.” At 29, Calvert‑Lewin now possesses the coveted blend of pace and aerial power that defines a modern No 9. He can dominate centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, yet also make intelligent diagonal runs that stretch the opposition and create space for teammates.
His statistical profile backs up this description. He is tied for the most aerial duels won in the Premier League this season with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, and he is one of only a handful of players who rank among the top ten for both aerial success and runs behind the defence. Tracking data confirms that he has recorded some of the highest top speeds recorded in the league this campaign. His off‑the‑ball intensity is not limited to attack; it also benefits Leeds defensively.
Farke noted, “It’s not just scoring goals – his work‑rate is top‑notch.” Calvert‑Lewin regularly presses high, cuts out passing lanes, and helps his side win back possession in dangerous areas. Leeds have forced more turnovers than all but six other clubs since the start of last season. Availability has been a crucial factor in his resurgence. When Leeds signed him on a free transfer, his injury history at Everton made the deal appear risky.
Yet he has avoided any major setbacks so far, and the club has managed his minutes carefully. Farke has substituted him in 15 of his 34 Premier League starts, but he still logged nearly 80 % of the team’s league minutes last season – his highest proportion since 2020/21 – and has already played 92 % of Leeds’ minutes this term. Consistent selection has clearly paid dividends, and Leeds will hope the pattern continues when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road on Sunday, live on Sky Sports. Calvert‑Lewin will be looking to extend his run of scoring in consecutive home Premier League matches to six.
Given his current form, it would be unwise to bet against him. The column also turns its attention to another striker, Brian Brobbey, who has impressed with his hold‑up play for Sunderland despite not yet finding the net this season. In a recent clash with Arsenal, Brobbey repeatedly out‑muscled centre‑back Ezri Konsa, using his body to shield the ball and retain possession from long passes. According to GeniusIQ, he has recorded more hold‑up instances than any other player this season, repeating a feat from the previous campaign despite starting only 22 games.
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris praised the Dutch international, saying, “The performance against Arsenal shows that even against the strongest teams, he is highly competitive.” The team will need a similar display at the Etihad when they face Manchester City. Elliot Anderson, Manchester City’s £116 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest, is expected to help curb Brobbey’s influence on Sunday. Early data suggests Anderson is mirroring Rodri’s passing volume and final‑third involvement, while also winning a comparable number of duels, indicating a smooth transition under manager Enzo Maresca.
The preview also touches on Fulham’s potential to cause trouble for Manchester United. Though Fulham have yet to secure a Premier League win under Alvaro Arbeloa, they possess a in‑form youngster, Josh King, who could make a difference. Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League fixtures this weekend. The slate begins with Brentford vs Chelsea on Friday night, followed by Nottingham Forest vs Coventry on Saturday.
Sunday’s lineup includes Bournemouth vs Liverpool, Leeds vs Crystal Palace, Manchester City vs Sunderland at 2 pm, and finally Fulham vs Manchester United at 4.30 pm. Last week’s column highlighted the on‑pitch chemistry between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, while Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili (who scored against Ipswich) also featured. For a chance to win £1 million, play Super 6 – entry is free.