Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."