Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed striker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top remains two individual 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 Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted 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 ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

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

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

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

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

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

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."