🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games. His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive Revival 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 latter stages. But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive. His six-match scoring sequence places 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 lasting this many games - his best is two distinct five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Purple Patch? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class 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 former team. Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space. "He is a archetypal 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 ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked talks of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be 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 pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games. His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive Revival 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 latter stages. But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive. His six-match scoring sequence places 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 lasting this many games - his best is two distinct five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Purple Patch? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class 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 former team. Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space. "He is a archetypal 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 ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked talks of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be 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 pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."