Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest forward in England following netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

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

However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top remains two individual five-match runs.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

"He looks as in shape 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."

Intense Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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