🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed striker in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games. His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages. Yet, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable. His six-match scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team. Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. The England Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed striker in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games. His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages. Yet, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable. His six-match scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team. Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. The England Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."