Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

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

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups 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 shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."

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

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."