Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad
A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.
But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed striker in England following scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.
His newest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.
A Remarkable Resurgence
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.
Yet, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.
His six-match scoring run puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top remains two separate five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Purple Patch?
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.
Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."
His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.
The England Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited conversations of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.
Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix 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 conversation for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.
"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."
In the end, 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 hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
