Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup
Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.
But, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.
His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.
An Impressive Return to Form
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.
Yet, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.
His six-match scoring sequence puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top is two individual five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to surpass 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 Hot Streak?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.
Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.
"He is a archetypal 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 experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."
His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.
World Cup Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled talks of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.
Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Stiff Competition
However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.
"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
