Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup
A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.
But, a just four weeks on, he has become the most discussed forward in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.
His most recent finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading 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 hampered by injuries in its closing stages.
But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.
His six-match scoring run 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 never managed a run this long - his best is two distinct five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Purple Patch?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent 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 penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.
Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely 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 downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."
His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.
The England Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked conversations of an England recall.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.
Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.
"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Stiff Competition
Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.
"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.
"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."
