Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a just four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring run places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled conversations of an England return.

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

Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

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

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