Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

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

However, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

His six-game scoring run 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 never managed a run of this length - his top stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Intense Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."