Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring run sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best is two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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