Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

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

However, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

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

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "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 behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."