Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

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

Yet, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

His six-match scoring run places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch 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 is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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