Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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