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

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he is the most discussed attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

Finally, 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 depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."