Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment 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 given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented 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 persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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