Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup
Just one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.
But, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.
His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Stunning Return to Form
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.
However, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.
His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Scoring Form?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.
Analysts point to 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 additional space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."
His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.
World Cup Question
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited conversations of an England return.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.
Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.
"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 conversation for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.
"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
