Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup
Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.
However, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest forward in England following netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.
His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.
An Impressive Revival
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.
Yet, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.
His six-match scoring streak places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Purple Patch?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.
Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."
His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.
International Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.
Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.
"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.
"I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
