Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

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

Yet, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring run puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top remains 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 Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

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

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited conversations of an England recall.

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

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

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

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