Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

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

But, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created 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 textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."