Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup
Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.
But, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.
His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Remarkable Return to Form
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.
However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.
His six-game scoring streak sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top is two distinct five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Scoring Form?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.
Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."
His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.
The England Question
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England recall.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.
Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Intense Rivalry
But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.
"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
