Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-match scoring streak puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top remains two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked discussions of an England return.

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

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

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