Leeds United supporters have had an exhilarating week, with one player’s contribution outshining even holiday cheer. While Santa Claus and Daniel Farke have their fans, it’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin who has truly stolen the spotlight, earning the moniker “the ultimate Christmas gift.”

Calvert-Lewin’s recent form is turning heads, having netted six goals in his last five matches, including a brace against Crystal Palace last Saturday. This performance is a glimpse of the potential believed to be within him, which many feared might never fully emerge.

For some time, Calvert-Lewin’s name was more associated with injury reports than goal-scoring prowess. Just a year ago, his then-manager Sean Dyche lamented that the striker had more to give, as his performance had dramatically declined. His chances of playing for England were slim, with him barely making it onto Everton’s bench.

In the summer of 2019, Calvert-Lewin aspired to don the No.9 jersey for Everton, emulating his mentor Duncan Ferguson. He dreamed of being the hero of the Gwladys Street faithful and embracing the duties that came with such an iconic number.

However, parting ways became inevitable. The finances needed for him to stay at Everton did not align, and a move abroad seemed more appealing, despite a lack of numerous offers within England.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored six goals in his past five appearances for Leeds United 

His late header away to Brentford earned a crucial point for Leeds before Christmas 

And the 28-year-old struck twice from close range at set-pieces in a 4-1 thumping of Crystal Palace

‘Not because of his ability as a player, but purely because of his injury record, it was very difficult for anyone to take that chance and spend the money (on his wages),’ Wayne Rooney, who played with Calvert-Lewin at Everton, noted on his podcast this week.

‘But if he continues this, then there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be talked about – or even get an opportunity – to go to the World Cup, purely because of the lack of forwards that England have got. He’s a threat in the box, he’s good in the air, and he’s scoring goals.’

It goes deeper than that. All of Calvert-Lewin’s numbers have improved since he turned up at Elland Road. He’s gone from averaging a goal every 538 minutes to one every 147 minutes; the distance he is covering in matches has increased from 10.3km to 11km; his shot conversion rate has quadrupled.

His renaissance has come at just the right moment, easing pressure on Farke, who as recently as November 24 had found himself in conflict with the Kop, who were telling him that he ‘didn’t know what he was doing’ and looked on the verge of mutiny.

Yet Farke is the kind of manager who can instil belief into players. He’s bubbly, warm and has clearly struck up a rapport with Calvert-Lewin, a man who thrives when he is confident. Slowly but surely that confidence seems to be returning and the results are there for all to see.

‘I have made my feelings clear that he is one of the best English strikers in this league,’ said Farke. ‘He also benefits a lot from the fact we are capable to prepare so many situations out of open play. Last game, we were pretty effective out of set-plays as well.

Calvert-Lewin’s hot streak began with three goals in as many games in the space of eight days, all against ‘Big Six’ sides – starting at Manchester City 

His tap-in to an empty net rounded off a raucous 3-1 victory at home to Chelsea

And he kick-started the Leeds fightback when 2-0 down to champions Liverpool, in a hectic game that finished 3-3

‘It’s always a team effort and it’s important that we keep going to bring him into good positions to assist further on, and then also up to him to keep going with the hard work. I’m a big believer that in the end, you will always get what you’re willing to invest.

‘He has invested a lot so far, but he has to keep going. He is in great form. I spoke highly about him and we are blessed and fortunate that we have him. He has shown this during his career when he is fit. The season is not finished, he wants to score many more goals.’

If he continues on this trajectory, it will become difficult for Thomas Tuchel not to consider having him in his squad – Calvert-Lewin was Harry Kane’s deputy at the Euros in 2021 – but it is always critical to add caution. 

Calvert-Lewin hasn’t managed to get into double figures in a season since he got 25 in games for club and country in 2020-21. Farke is thrilled to see the ride he is currently enjoying but he isn’t getting carried away – and his words should act as an incentive, in so many ways, to the 28-year-old. 

‘To label him a top-class player for Leeds, he doesn’t have to just show it for a couple of weeks,’ said Farke ‘He must show it over a whole season. Quality players must show consistency and play an outstanding season. We are all happy we have him with us – but he has to keep going.’ 

The best presents aren’t just for Christmas, they are the ones that endure. It is up to Calvert-Lewin to prove he can do it.