🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him. Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games. His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages. However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive. His six-game scoring sequence places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club. Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked talks of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "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 Competition Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him. Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games. His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages. However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive. His six-game scoring sequence places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club. Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked talks of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "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 Competition Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."