Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

Yet, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

"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 may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."