đź”— Share this article Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup Only one goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. But, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages. Yet, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable. 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 outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club. Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited discussions of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship. Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Only one goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. But, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages. Yet, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable. 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 outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club. Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited discussions of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship. Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."