Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

"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 positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more 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 exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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