Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup
A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.
But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.
His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.
An Impressive Resurgence
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.
However, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.
His six-game scoring streak places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Hot Streak?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.
Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish 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 resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."
His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.
The England Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked discussions of an England return.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.
Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Stiff Competition
But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.
"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
