Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks later, he is the most discussed attacker in England following netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

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

Yet, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish 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 resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

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

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked conversations of an England return.

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

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

"He looks as in shape 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."

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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