Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' data‑driven column where Nick Wright blends 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 the hold‑up game - Anderson stepping into Rodri’s shoes - A player to keep an eye on this weekend After a review by the goal‑accreditation appeals panel, Dominic Calvert‑Lewin’s tally for the Premier League has been corrected to three goals for the current season, placing him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the league’s scoring chart. The adjustment underscores why the England manager has welcomed him back into the national squad.
When you consider every competition, 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 Monday’s 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United, describing him as “in outstanding shape and playing with a lot of confidence.” One of Calvert‑Lewin’s enduring qualities is his knack for positioning. Shot‑map data from both his Leeds spell and his final two seasons at Everton reveal a heavy concentration of attempts from the heart of the penalty area. The key difference now is his conversion rate – he is turning a significantly higher proportion of those chances into goals.
At Everton, his reputation was often linked to 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, despite being only 29 years old. Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher noted, “Sometimes a move rejuvenates a player,” pointing to the immediate impact of his transfer to Leeds.
The data backs this narrative. The gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed dramatically, indicating that the finishing funk that once plagued him is fading. Carragher added, “Maybe composure let him down in the past, but not here.” His two goals against Newcastle illustrated 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 sprint past the defence, latch onto Tarik Muharemovic’s first‑time pass and slot the ball beyond the keeper.
After the match, Farke labelled him “one of the standout strikers in the league.” With his recent resurgence, it is hard to dispute that assessment. Physically, Calvert‑Lewin blends pace with aerial power – a rare combination for a traditional No 9. The Newcastle game reminded everyone how he can dominate centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, yet also make incisive runs behind a compact defence.
His statistical profile reinforces this dual threat. He shares the league lead for aerial duels won with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard and is the only player among the top aerial duel winners who also ranks within the top ten for runs behind the defence. Tracking data shows he has recorded some of the highest top‑speed readings in the Premier League this season, while his off‑the‑ball work rate benefits Leeds on both ends of the pitch.
Farke highlighted this, saying, “It’s not just scoring goals – his work‑rate is top‑class.” Beyond scoring, Calvert‑Lewin contributes defensively by pressuring opposition defenders, blocking passing lanes and helping Leeds win possession in dangerous zones. Leeds have forced fewer high‑turnover situations than only six other clubs since the start of last term, a statistic to which his pressing intensity contributes.
Availability has also been a decisive factor in his revival. When Leeds signed him on a free transfer, his injury history at Everton made the deal appear risky. So far, he has avoided any major setbacks, and the coaching staff have managed his minutes carefully. Farke has substituted him in 15 of his 34 league starts, yet he still logged nearly 80 % of Leeds’ Premier League minutes last season – the highest proportion since 2020/21 – and has already featured in 92 % of this term’s minutes.
Consistent selection has clearly paid dividends, and Leeds will hope the pattern continues when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road this Sunday, live on Sky Sports. Calvert‑Lewin will be looking to extend his streak of scoring in six consecutive home league matches, a run that makes him a dangerous proposition for any opponent. In summary, betting against a striker who combines physical presence, speed, intelligent movement, pressing intensity and a renewed finishing instinct would be ill‑advised. Turning to another emerging striker, Brian Brobbey has shown himself to be a formidable hold‑up player for Sunderland.
The Dutch‑born forward, who netted three times at the World Cup, has yet to open his Premier League account this season, but his performance against Arsenal highlighted his ability to shield the ball and retain possession under pressure. His battle with centre‑back Ezri Konsa was a showcase of strength and balance, allowing Sunderland to progress the ball up the pitch.
According to analytics firm GeniusIQ, Brobbey has recorded more hold‑up actions – defined as using his body to protect the ball from defenders – than any other player this season, repeating a feat from the previous campaign despite starting only 22 games. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris praised his impact, saying, “The game against Arsenal shows that even against the strongest teams, he is competitive.” The club will be eager for a repeat performance at the Etihad when they face Manchester City. Meanwhile, Elliot Anderson, the £116 million midfielder signed from Nottingham Forest, is being tasked with disrupting Brobbey’s supply line on Sunday. Early signs suggest the 23‑year‑old is adapting well to the role vacated by Rodri at Manchester City.
In the recent Manchester derby, Anderson matched Rodri’s passing volume in the final third and won a comparable number of duels, indicating a smooth transition under manager Enzo Maresca. Finally, a quick look at the weekend’s broadcast schedule: Sky Sports will air five Premier League fixtures, beginning with Brentford versus Chelsea on Friday night, followed by Nottingham Forest versus Coventry on Saturday. Sunday’s slate includes Bournemouth versus Liverpool, Leeds versus Crystal Palace, Manchester City versus Sunderland at 2 pm, and a 4.30 pm showdown between Fulham and Manchester United.
Last week’s column also highlighted the on‑field chemistry between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, as well as contributions from Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili, who scored against Ipswich. Don’t forget to try the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £1 million – entry is free.