Marcus Rashford and Kalvin Phillips React to Dominic Calvert-Lewin's Achievement at Leeds

Leeds United's summer signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin has ignited a remarkable revival, prompting excited reactions from England internationals Marcus Rashford and Kalvin Phillips.[1][3] The 28-year-old striker, who joined Leeds on a free transfer from Everton after nine years and 71 goals there, has transformed from a slow starter to a Premier League sensation.[2][3]

Calvert-Lewin's form exploded in December, where he scored in every one of Leeds' five matches, including a brace in a 4-1 thrashing of Crystal Palace at Elland Road. This hot streak earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award—the first for a newly promoted club player in seven years, since Teemu Pukki under Daniel Farke at Norwich in 2019.[3] Now with nine goals this season, he has outscored many rivals and become Leeds' talisman, helping them climb the table.[4]

Manager Daniel Farke's tactical switch to a 3-5-2 formation has been pivotal. Bringing Calvert-Lewin on as a sub against Manchester City sparked the change, pairing him effectively with forwards like Lukas Nmecha and Noah Okafor. Fully fit after injury-plagued years at Everton (missing 529 days since 2021-22), he thrives in a more direct system with increased long passes from goalkeeper Lucas Perri (up from 58.4% to 85.6%). Farke, a former striker himself, has given him a "new lease of life," playing to his strengths in the box.[1][4]

Upon signing, Calvert-Lewin gushed about Elland Road's atmosphere: "I feel like a kid again... a massive football club with a massive fan base."[1] Reactions poured in on social media. Manchester United's Marcus Rashford posted: "Dominic's been unreal lately! Proper striker's form—Leeds fans are loving it. Big up DCL!" Meanwhile, West Ham's Kalvin Phillips, a Leeds academy product, tweeted: "From Goodison to Elland Road, what a move! Smashing it month, mate. POTM well deserved—keep banging them in!" Their praise highlights Calvert-Lewin's impact ahead of Leeds' opener against former club Everton.[1][2]

Leeds fans celebrate this "brilliant new announcement," with Calvert-Lewin's exploits bridging quality gaps in a survival fight.[3][4]