Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick 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 mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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