Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a just four weeks later, he is the most discussed attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably 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 last European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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