Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England following bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence puts 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 did not achieve a run this long - his top remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class 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 fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith 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 competition.

World Cup Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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