Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

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

Yet, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak places him in elite 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 never managed a run of this length - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality 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 purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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