Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period 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 extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring run places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited discussions of an England return.

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

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

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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