🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup Just one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. However, a just four weeks later, he is the most talked-about attacker in England following netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games. His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages. However, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive. His six-game scoring sequence puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top remains two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better 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? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick 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 persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited discussions of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship. Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Intense Competition But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist 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 pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Just one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. However, a just four weeks later, he is the most talked-about attacker in England following netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games. His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages. However, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive. His six-game scoring sequence puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top remains two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better 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? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick 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 persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited discussions of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship. Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Intense Competition But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist 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 pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."