Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

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

A Remarkable 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 final stages.

Yet, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two individual five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

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

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," 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, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

"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 head coach decides to select.

"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."