Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring streak 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 was unable to produce a run this long - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

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

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

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

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

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