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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a only four weeks later, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."