Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup
A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.
But, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most discussed forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.
His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.
An Impressive Return to Form
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.
Yet, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.
His six-game scoring run sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two distinct five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Purple Patch?
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.
Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."
His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.
International Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked talks of an England return.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.
Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.
"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Fierce Competition
However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.
"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.
"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
