Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it 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 nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked conversations of an England recall.

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

Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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