Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a just four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring streak sees him in exclusive 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 was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant 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 archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish 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 mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played 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 sharp as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."