Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

But, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable 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 timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

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

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

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

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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