Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad
A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.
Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.
His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.
A Stunning Resurgence
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.
However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.
His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Hot Streak?
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.
Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."
His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.
The England Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled conversations of an England return.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.
Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Fierce Rivalry
However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.
"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.
"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."