Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

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

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

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 put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best is two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

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

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

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."