Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

Yet, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring streak puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs 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 voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds 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 meaningful impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."