Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup
A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.
However, a just four weeks later, he is the most discussed striker in England after bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.
His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Stunning Return to Form
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.
But, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.
His six-match scoring streak places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top remains two separate five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Hot Streak?
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.
Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented 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 character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."
His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.
The England Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.
Analysts believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.
"He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
