Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

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

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played 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 keep up this standard.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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