Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a mere four weeks later, he is the hottest attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to 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, which has given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain 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 Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

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

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