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

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

But, a only four weeks later, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked discussions of an England return.

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

Analysts believe 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 while," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."