Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

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

Yet, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring run sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest remains two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, 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 includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."