Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."

In the end, 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 come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."