🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup Just one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games. His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages. But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable. His six-match scoring sequence sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top stands at two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Purple Patch? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club. Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled conversations of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds 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 major tournament." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Just one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games. His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages. But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable. His six-match scoring sequence sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top stands at two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Purple Patch? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club. Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled conversations of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds 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 major tournament." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."