Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about striker in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is 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 spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there 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 league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."