Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup
Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.
However, a only four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.
His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
An Impressive Resurgence
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.
Yet, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.
His six-game scoring streak sees 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 did not achieve a run this long - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Scoring Form?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent 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 at the perfect moment."
That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.
Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more 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 lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."
His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.
World Cup Question
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited conversations 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 previous European Championship.
Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Fierce Competition
However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.
"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.
"I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
