Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad
A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.
Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.
His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Stunning Resurgence
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.
But, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.
His six-match scoring sequence puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest remains two individual five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Scoring Form?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.
Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.
The England Question
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England recall.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.
Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Stiff Rivalry
However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.
"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.
"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
