Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a mere four weeks on, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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

Yet, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

His six-game scoring run puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has 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 excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

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

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