🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup Just one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following netting seven goals in 6 straight games. His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages. But, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive. His six-match scoring run puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top is two distinct five-match streaks. And the sole 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. The Reason for the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club. Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality 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 hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited talks of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Just one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following netting seven goals in 6 straight games. His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages. But, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive. His six-match scoring run puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top is two distinct five-match streaks. And the sole 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. The Reason for the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club. Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality 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 hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited talks of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."