Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable 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 marred by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo 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 Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts 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, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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