Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more 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 exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form 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 national team since the last European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

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

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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