Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup
A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.
However, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.
His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
An Impressive Revival
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.
Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.
His six-game scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two separate five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Scoring Form?
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.
Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."
His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.
International Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.
Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Stiff Competition
Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.
"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
