Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

But, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? 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 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

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

International Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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