Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

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

His six-game scoring streak places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top is two individual five-match streaks.

And the only 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 Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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