Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak 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 was unable to produce a run this long - his best is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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