Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' data‑driven column where Nick Wright blends statistics with insight to highlight the Premier League stories you need to know. 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 Dominic Calvert‑Lewin, after a technical correction by the goal‑accreditation appeals panel, now sits on three Premier League goals for the current season – a tally that places him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. The adjustment is more than a numbers game; it reflects his resurgence and has rightly earned him a place back in the England squad. When you factor in 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 standout performance in Leeds’ 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United on Monday. Positioning has always been a natural instinct for Calvert‑Lewin. Shot‑map data from his time at Leeds and his final two seasons with Everton shows a heavy concentration of attempts from the centre of the box.
The key difference now is conversion – he is turning a higher proportion of those chances into goals. At Everton, Calvert‑Lewin was often labeled as wasteful, his expected‑goals (xG) consistently outpacing his actual tally. Since joining Leeds, however, the gap between his xG and real goals has narrowed dramatically, signalling that he has emerged from a prolonged finishing slump.
Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher noted, “Sometimes a move rejuvenates a player,” and the numbers back that sentiment. The Newcastle match illustrated the breadth of his offensive arsenal. First, he rose above the defence to meet James Justin’s cross with a textbook header, then he sprinted into space to collect Tarik Muharemović’s one‑touch pass and finish cleanly past the goalkeeper.
Farke described him as “one of the standout strikers in the league” after the game, a claim that becomes harder to dispute as Calvert‑Lewin continues to rediscover his lethal edge. At 29, Calvert‑Lewin blends blistering pace with aerial dominance – a rare combination for a traditional No 9. Monday’s display reminded observers how he can out‑muscle centre‑backs on long balls and crosses while also making diagonal runs that stretch defences and create space behind the line.
His statistical profile underlines this completeness. He is tied for the most aerial duels won in the Premier League this season alongside Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, and he is one of only a handful of players who rank in the top ten for both aerial wins and runs in behind.
Tracking data shows he has recorded some of the highest top‑speeds recorded in the league this campaign, and his off‑the‑ball work rate is equally valuable. Farke highlighted this, saying, “It’s not just scoring goals – his work‑rate is top‑class.” Calvert‑Lewin’s pressing intensity helps Leeds win the ball high up the pitch, shutting down opposition defenders, blocking passing lanes and creating turnover opportunities.
Leeds have forced fewer high‑press turnovers than only six other clubs since the start of last term, a statistic to which Calvert‑Lewin contributes significantly. Injury concerns once made his free‑transfer signing a gamble for Leeds, but so far he has avoided the recurring problems that plagued him at Everton. The club has managed his minutes carefully – he has been substituted in 15 of his 34 Premier League starts – yet he still logged nearly 80 % of Leeds’ league minutes last season, his highest ratio since 2020/21, and has already featured in 92 % of this term’s minutes. Consistent selection appears to be paying dividends for both player and club.
Leeds will be hoping the momentum 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 Premier League home goals to six consecutive games – a run that underscores his growing reliability in front of goal.
From a broader perspective, the column also touched on other intriguing storylines. Brian Brobbey, the Dutch international who scored three goals at the World Cup, has yet to open his account for Sunderland this season but has already demonstrated a remarkable hold‑up ability against Arsenal. GeniusIQ data shows Brobbey has recorded more hold‑ups – defined as using his body to shield a defender and retain possession – than any other player this season, repeating his dominance from the previous term despite limited starts. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris praised Brobbey’s physicality, noting that his performance against Arsenal proved he can compete against top‑class opposition.
The next test comes at the Etihad Stadium, where Sunderland will need a repeat of that strength against Manchester City. The column also highlighted Elliot Anderson, Manchester City’s £116 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest, who is expected to help contain Brobbey on Sunday. Anderson’s early displays suggest he is adapting well to the role vacated by Rodri, matching Rodri’s passing volume in the final third and winning a comparable number of duels, which has eased his integration under manager Enzo Maresca.
Finally, the piece previewed the weekend’s broadcast schedule, noting five Premier League games to be shown live on Sky Sports, including Brentford vs Chelsea on Friday, Nottingham Forest vs Coventry on Saturday, and a Sunday line‑up featuring Bournemouth vs Liverpool, Leeds vs Crystal Palace, Manchester City vs Sunderland, and Fulham vs Manchester United. In summary, Dominic Calvert‑Lewin’s transformation into a well‑rounded, high‑intensity striker has not only revitalised his club career but also secured his return to the England set‑up. His blend of speed, aerial prowess, intelligent movement and relentless work ethic makes him a genuine threat in any match, and his continued form suggests that betting against him would be a mistake.