Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a just four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

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 injuries in its closing stages.

But, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence sees him in exclusive 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 best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."