Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup
A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.
Yet, a mere four weeks later, he is the most talked-about striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Stunning Resurgence
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.
Yet, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.
His six-game scoring streak puts him in elite 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 remains two separate five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Scoring Form?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.
Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."
His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.
The England Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited talks of an England return.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.
Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Intense Rivalry
Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.
"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
