🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest striker in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games. His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages. Yet, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive. His six-match scoring streak places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top is two distinct five-match runs. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship. Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest striker in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games. His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages. Yet, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive. His six-match scoring streak places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top is two distinct five-match runs. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship. Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."