Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring run places him in elite company as just 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 best is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented 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 challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

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

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

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