Wayne Rooney claims Leeds United have a ‘good player’ who is doing well despite recent struggles

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United enter the international break with eight points from their opening seven games, but they will feel aggrieved that it isn’t more.

The Whites have been subject to some poor luck in recent weeks, with a handful of late goals denying them some precious points.

They had a chance to put that right when facing off with Tottenham at Elland Road by making it tough for the North London side to play through them.

While Noah Okafor did grab his second Leeds United goal this season, a deflected shot from Mathys Tel and a strike from range by Mohammed Kudus ended up giving the visitors all three points.

Daniel Farke will no doubt be frustrated by his side’s lack of clinical edge, as they created several big chances that were simply not put away.

Despite that, Wayne Rooney has backed one star from Leeds after their defeat to Tottenham, believing he will get the goals soon enough.

• READ MORE: He’s in the same bracket at Kylian Mbappe, and Leeds’ £18m bargain stole the show vs Tottenham

Wayne Rooney backs Dominic Calvert-Lewin as he eyes more Leeds goals

During the clash between Leeds and Tottenham, several big chances fell the way of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

While the summer signing, who joined as a free agent after leaving Everton, was able to get into good positions, he simply couldn’t finish any of them off.

On another day, perhaps Leeds would’ve accelerated on to win the match, but instead, they are left thinking what could’ve been.

For Calvert-Lewin, it was another afternoon to forget on the scoring front, despite a positive all-round performance.

He is still waiting to build on the first Premier League goal he scored for the club, which came in a 3-1 win over Wolves.

Despite that, former England striker Wayne Rooney has backed him when speaking on Match of the Day.

He claimed: “We all know Calvert-Lewin is a good player, and the biggest issue has been keeping him fit.

“He’s started his career at Leeds well, he’s creating chances, and if he stays fit, he’s a handful for any defender.”

While there are some positive displays, the real struggle in front of goal will have many fans questioning when they will see the full quality of Calvert-Lewin.

Leeds will be wanting to get even more out of him if they are to be clinical and win the points they so desperately need to stay in the division.

• READ MORE: Leeds United confirm major change to Elland Road expansion masterplan amid £1bn vision

Chance creation is a positive for Leeds after Tottenham defeat

While there have already been some frustrating moments for Leeds to ponder over this season, it is worth remembering that only seven games have been played.

There are plenty of positives from those opening matches, such as their chance creation, which shows they are capable of scoring goals.

In the defeat to Tottenham, Leeds created 2.03 xG (Expected Goals) to Tottenham’s 0.58.

It suggests they had far better chances against a team that they perhaps wouldn’t be expected to beat.

If the forwards can find their shooting boots, then some of that xG can be cashed in and ideally turned into points.

So far this season, Leeds have only really been outplayed by Arsenal, with a stinging 5-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.

Elsewhere, the side have been competitive, so it’s about being clinical in both boxes when it really matters most.