Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a just four weeks on, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test 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 shown little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

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

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."