Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

Yet, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

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

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

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional 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 experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited discussions of an England return.

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.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."