Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

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 setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely 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 persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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