Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best is two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat 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 downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

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

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled conversations of an England return.

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

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

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

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."