Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

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

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 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 successive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent 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 beloved player at his former team.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional 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 endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent 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 in shape as he has in a while," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test 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 is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."