🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages. But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring streak puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club. Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. The England Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited discussions of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship. Pundits think 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 sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages. But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring streak puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club. Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. The England Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited discussions of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship. Pundits think 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 sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."