Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

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

Yet, a just four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

Yet, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent 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 beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Analysts think 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 while," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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