Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a only four weeks later, he is the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best is two individual five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch 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 now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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