Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

Yet, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest is two individual five-match runs.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced 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 recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

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

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

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

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

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