Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented 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 form.

"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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

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