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

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a just four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."