Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.

However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.

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

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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