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

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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