Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England following bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring run places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.

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 Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous 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 at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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