Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed 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 ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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