Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a only four weeks later, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

His six-game scoring sequence sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast 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 tournament."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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