Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

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

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

Yet, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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