Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

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

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence puts 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 never managed a run of this length - his top is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

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

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked discussions of an England return.

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

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."