Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled talks of an England recall.

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

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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