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

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

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

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

Yet, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring streak places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic 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 been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Intense Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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