Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

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

His newest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

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

However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring run puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive 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 streaks.

And the sole 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.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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