Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup
Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.
However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.
His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Stunning Resurgence
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.
Yet, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.
His six-match scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best is two separate five-match runs.
And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Hot Streak?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.
Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."
His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.
International Question
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked discussions of an England return.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.
Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.
"He looks as sharp 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."
Fierce Competition
However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.
"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."
Finally, 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 concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
