Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed forward in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical 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 believed in myself and here I am now."

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

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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