Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he has become the most discussed striker in England following netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

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

However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality 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 hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be 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 the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."