Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring streak places him in exclusive 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 longest is two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked 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 perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character 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 "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Intense Competition

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."