Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

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

Yet, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

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

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

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

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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