Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

However, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal 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 penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played 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 keep up this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."