Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a only four weeks later, he is the most discussed attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given 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 classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited talks of an England recall.

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

Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

"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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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