Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a only four weeks later, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

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

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

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent 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 fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."