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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best is two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Intense Competition

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."