🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. But, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest forward in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games. His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages. Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable. His six-game scoring streak places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest remains two individual five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club. Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited discussions of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as sharp 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." Stiff Competition But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. But, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest forward in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games. His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages. Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable. His six-game scoring streak places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest remains two individual five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club. Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited discussions of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as sharp 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." Stiff Competition But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."