Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he is the most talked-about forward in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-game scoring run puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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