Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup
Only one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.
But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England following bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.
His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
An Impressive Resurgence
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.
Yet, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.
His six-match scoring streak places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Scoring Form?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.
Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."
His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.
World Cup Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled discussions of an England call-up.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.
Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.
"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.
"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
