Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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