Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a only four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-game scoring run places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

"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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."