🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. However, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games. His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages. Yet, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable. His six-game scoring sequence puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top stands at two separate five-match runs. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced 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 recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team. Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "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 debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. However, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games. His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages. Yet, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable. His six-game scoring sequence puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top stands at two separate five-match runs. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced 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 recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team. Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "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 debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."