Sam Dalby


Samuel George Dalby is an English professional footballer who plays for Premier League club Watford as a striker.

Career

Leyton Orient

Dalby made his debut for Leyton Orient in the 3–1 win over Stevenage in the EFL Trophy on 30 August 2016, coming on as a substitute for Jordan Bowery. He became one of the youngest Orient players in the club's history, aged 16 years and 226 days.
After scoring 11 goals in 19 appearances for Orient's U18 side, Dalby signed a professional contract with the club in December 2016. He made his league debut as a second-half substitute for Robbie Weir in the 1–0 defeat at Wycombe Wanderers on 17 December 2016.
Dalby made his full debut in the Leyton Orient starting eleven against Crawley Town in League Two on 26 December 2016, also scoring the first goal in the 3–2 win. After impressing in his debut season at Orient, he went on trial at Premier League side Crystal Palace in the summer of 2017.

Leeds United

On 23 January 2018, Dalby was signed by EFL Championship side Leeds United for an undisclosed fee on a 2 and half year contract. On 19 March, Dalby impressed for Leeds Under 23's in a victory against Ipswich, with it being described as a 'coming of age performance', after scoring his 4th goal in 6 games for the Leeds United Under 23's squad.
On 3 March 2018, Dalby was named in Leeds' first team for their travelling squad for Leeds EFL Championship game against Fulham at Craven Cottage, however he was not named amongst the substitutes. On 8 May, he was named in Leeds' first team squad by Head Coach Paul Heckingbottom for their post season friendlies tour to Myanmar.
Dalby scored his first goal for Leeds' first team when he scored for Leeds under new head coach Marcelo Bielsa in their pre-season friendly 1–1 draw against York City on 20 July 2018. On 26 July 2018, Dalby was given the number 41 shirt for the upcoming 2018–19 season for Leeds.

Morecambe loan

On 31 January 2019, Dalby joined League Two side Morecambe on loan until the end of the season. He made his debut on 9 February in a 3–2 defeat against Bury and in total made 2 substitute appearances.

Watford

On 12 July 2019, Dalby joined Premier League club Watford for an undisclosed fee, signing a two-year deal with an additional one-year option. He will be part of their development squad during the 2019–20 season.
On 28 July 2019, Dalby scored a hat-trick whilst playing for Watford U23's against a RB Leipzig U19 side in a friendly match. He was also selected in the matchday squad for Watford's EFL Cup fourth round defeat to Everton on 29 October 2019, but ultimately remained an unused substitute.

Style of play

Dalby's style of play has been likened to English Striker Harry Kane, due to his stature, finishing and hold up play. He was described as a special talent, with former Orient teammate James Dayton describing him 'He's left-footed, has a lovely touch and he's very aware of space. He is very natural at taking the ball into space and away from pressure'.

Career statistics