Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

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

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

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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