Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he is the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

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

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited talks of an England recall.

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

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

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

Intense Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."