Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

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

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled discussions of an England return.

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

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

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

Intense Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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