Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

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

Yet, a just four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.

However, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring run 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 never managed a run lasting this many games - his best is two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal 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 beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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