Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

However, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Intense Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."