Alfie McCalmont


Alfie John McCalmont is a professional footballer who plays for club Leeds United and the Northern Ireland national side as a central midfielder. He plays mainly as a defensive midfielder.

Career

Born in Thirsk, he attended Thirsk School and Sixth Form College and came through the youth academy at Leeds United. He signed a professional contract extension on 22 January 2019 keeping him at the club until the summer of 2021. During the 2018/19 season, he featured regularly for Carlos Corberán's Leeds United under 23s side that won the PDL Northern League 2018/19 league title; they then became the national Professional Development League Champions by beating Birmingham City in the final.
McCalmont started the first pre-season friendly of the 2019/20 season against York City in a 5–0 win on 10 July and was named in the 1st team travelling squad on 4 August in Leeds' opening day 3–1 EFL Championship victory against Bristol City; he was left out of the final 18, but was allocated the 38 shirt for the season.
He was given his first team debut by head coach Marcelo Bielsa on 13 August in the EFL Cup against Salford City, coming on as a substitute for Jack Clarke in the 70th minute.
He made his first Leeds start on 27 August 2019 in Leeds' EFL Cup match against Stoke City, with Leeds losing on 4–5 on penalties after a 2–2 draw.

International career

He has represented Northern Ireland at international level up to U21s. He was called up to the senior Northern Ireland squad in 2019 for a summer training camp.
He made his senior debut for Northern Ireland on 5 September 2019 coming on for George Saville as a 60th minute substitute in a 1–0 win against Luxembourg.
McCalmont has also stated his eligibility for Republic of Ireland.

Style of play

McCalmont plays as a deep lying central midfielder. He plays mainly as a playmaking defensive midfielder, known for his passing and ability on the ball, dictating the play.
Belfast Live said McCalmont has "excellent technique, is tenacious in the tackle and has an eye for a pass".

Career statistics