Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has praised striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin following the player’s recent recall to the England national team. Calvert-Lewin, who was absent from the squad for the World Cup, earned a call-up from England manager Thomas Tuchel earlier this year, receiving his first cap in nearly five years.

Farke highlighted Calvert-Lewin’s strong start to the current Premier League season, noting the forward’s four goals in six appearances across all competitions. He described the 26-year-old as a “very professional player” who maintains high standards of fitness and preparation, calling him “one of the best strikers in this league.”

All 19 of Calvert-Lewin’s goals for Leeds United have come from inside the penalty area, a reflection of his playing style that emphasizes anticipation and poaching rather than raw pace. While not the quickest striker on the field, Farke suggested that Calvert-Lewin’s skill set could enhance his prospects for future international duty, including the UEFA European Championship scheduled for 2028, when the forward will be 31 years old.

Farke said that while speed remains an important attribute for forwards, different qualities also contribute to a striker’s effectiveness. He pointed to England captain Harry Kane as an example of a goal scorer who thrives in a team that often controls possession. According to Farke, England’s preferred style typically involves dominating matches rather than relying solely on counterattacks, which plays to the strengths of players like Calvert-Lewin.

“Dom is like a good wine who is getting better by the years,” Farke remarked, adding that the striker is physically at the top level and possesses more than adequate pace. He expressed confidence that Calvert-Lewin remains a “very complete striker” with opportunities to continue shining at both club and international levels in the years ahead.

Leeds’ recent 4-1 victory over Newcastle United saw Calvert-Lewin credited with a goal, following a decision to attribute the strike to him instead of defender Jayden Bogle. This goal contributed to the growing evidence of his early-season form, reinforcing Farke’s belief that Calvert-Lewin’s career trajectory is on an upward path.

The Leeds manager’s comments come ahead of his team’s upcoming Premier League match against Crystal Palace, where they will hope to build on their current momentum.