Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup
Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.
However, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.
His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
A Stunning Resurgence
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.
But, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.
His six-match scoring streak puts him in elite 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 did not achieve a run this long - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Hot Streak?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.
Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted 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 lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."
His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.
International Question
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited discussions of an England recall.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.
Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.
"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.
"He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.
"I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
