Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the hottest striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

But, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra 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 been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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