Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a only four weeks later, he is the most talked-about striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best is two individual five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory 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 previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also possesses the edge 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 natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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