Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' data‑driven column where Nick Wright mixes statistics with insight to highlight the Premier League stories that matter. This week’s focus includes: - Calvert‑Lewin’s all‑round attacking threat - Brobbey’s mastery of hold‑up play - Anderson stepping into Rodri’s shoes - A player to watch this weekend An appeal to the goal‑accreditation panel has confirmed Dominic Calvert‑Lewin’s tally at three Premier League goals for the current season, placing him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the league’s scoring chart. The correction has helped cement his place back in the England squad, a decision many pundits felt was overdue.
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, saying, “He is in outstanding shape and playing with a lot of confidence,” after the striker’s starring performance in a 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United on Monday. Calvert‑Lewin has always possessed an instinct for finding the right spaces inside the box.
Shot‑map data from his time at Leeds and his final two seasons at Everton show a dense cluster of attempts from central areas. The crucial difference now is his conversion rate – he is turning a higher proportion of those chances into goals. At Everton, his reputation was built around a tendency to waste opportunities, a label that haunted him for several seasons.
Yet, at Leeds he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored in his last four years at Everton. As Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher observed, “Sometimes a move rejuvenates a player,” and Calvert‑Lewin’s move appears to have done exactly that. The numbers back up this narrative.
The gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed dramatically, indicating that the finishing funk that plagued him for years is finally fading. Carragher added, “Maybe sometimes composure let him down in his career, but not here.” His two goals against Newcastle illustrated the breadth of his skill set. The first was a textbook leap and header from a James Justin cross, demonstrating his aerial prowess.
The second was a blistering run behind the defense to meet Tarik Muharemovic’s first‑time pass, finishing calmly past the goalkeeper. Both goals highlighted his ability to combine physical strength with intelligent movement.
Farke described him after the match as “one of the standout strikers in the league.” With his renewed sharpness in front of goal, it is hard to argue otherwise. At 29, Calvert‑Lewin offers the coveted blend of pace and aerial strength that many managers covet in a No 9. He can dominate centre‑backs on long balls and crosses while also making diagonal runs that stretch the opposition and create space for teammates.
Statistically, his completeness is evident. He shares the top spot for aerial duels won with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, and he is the only player near the top of that list who also ranks within the Premier League’s top ten for runs behind the defence. Tracking data shows he has recorded some of the highest sprint speeds recorded this season, underscoring his off‑the‑ball intensity. That intensity is not limited to attacking phases.
Farke noted, “It’s not just scoring goals – his work‑rate is top‑notch.” Calvert‑Lewin frequently leads the press for Leeds, disrupting opposition defenders, closing passing lanes, and helping his side win possession in dangerous zones. Leeds have forced more high‑turnover situations than all but six other clubs since the start of last term, a statistic in which Calvert‑Lewin plays a significant role. Availability has also been a key 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 largely avoided the recurring problems that once limited his minutes. Farke has managed his workload carefully, substituting him in 15 of his 34 league starts, but he still featured in roughly 80 % of Leeds’ Premier League minutes last season – his highest proportion since 2020/21 – and has already logged 92 % of possible minutes this campaign. Consistent selection has benefitted both player and club, and Leeds will be hoping the pattern continues when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road on Sunday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Calvert‑Lewin will be looking to extend his streak of scoring in consecutive home Premier League fixtures to six. Given his current form, betting against him would be unwise.
The column also turns its attention to another striker, Brian Brobbey, who has impressed with his hold‑up play for Sunderland. The Dutch international, who scored three goals at the World Cup, has yet to open his Premier League account this season but showcased his physicality in a recent clash with Arsenal, repeatedly shielding the ball from centre‑back Ezri Konsa and providing Sunderland with a reliable outlet for long balls. According to analytics firm GeniusIQ, Brobbey has recorded more hold‑ups – defined as using his body to protect the ball from a defender – than any other player this season, repeating the feat from the previous term despite starting only 22 games. Although the goals have not yet materialised, Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris is pleased with his contribution: “The game against Arsenal shows that even against the strongest teams, he is very competitive.” Sunderland will need a similar performance at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City.
The column also highlights Elliot Anderson, the £116 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest, who is expected to help Manchester City fill the creative void left by Rodri. In his debut derby win at Old Trafford, the 23‑year‑old matched Rodri’s passing volume in the final third and won a comparable number of duels, suggesting a smooth transition under interim coach Enzo Maresca. Finally, the piece touches on potential weekend drama: Fulham’s chance to cause United trouble, the upcoming live Sky Sports fixtures – Brentford vs Chelsea, Nottingham Forest vs Coventry, Bournemouth vs Liverpool, Leeds vs Crystal Palace, Manchester City vs Sunderland, and Fulham vs Manchester United – and a reminder to play the Super 6 for a chance at a £1 million prize.
In summary, Dominic Calvert‑Lewin’s evolution into a well‑rounded, high‑intensity striker has not only revived his personal fortunes but also bolstered Leeds United’s attacking options, earning him a well‑deserved recall to the England squad. His blend of speed, aerial ability, work‑rate, and improved finishing makes him a genuine threat in any Premier League encounter, and his continued health and consistent minutes will be vital for Leeds as they chase further success this season.