Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about striker in England after scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

Yet, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best is two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic 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 persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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