🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him. Yet, a mere four weeks on, he has become the hottest attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games. His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages. But, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable. His six-match scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best remains two separate five-match streaks. And the only English striker to surpass 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 Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. 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 voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled conversations of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship. Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take. "I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him. Yet, a mere four weeks on, he has become the hottest attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games. His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages. But, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable. His six-match scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best remains two separate five-match streaks. And the only English striker to surpass 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 Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. 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 voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled conversations of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship. Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take. "I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."