Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

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

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."