Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a only 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 tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for 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.

But, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence places 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 lasting this many games - his longest is two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups 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 expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

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

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."