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

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

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

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat 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 downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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