Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

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

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

"I've been through 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 now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked talks of an England recall.

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

Analysts believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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