Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a just four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."