🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following netting seven goals in six straight games. His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Return to Form The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages. However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive. His six-match scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top is two separate five-match streaks. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club. Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked talks of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "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 debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also possesses 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 out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following netting seven goals in six straight games. His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Return to Form The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages. However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive. His six-match scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top is two separate five-match streaks. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club. Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked talks of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "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 debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also possesses 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 out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."