🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him. However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games. His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages. However, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable. His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top is two separate five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good 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 fan favourite at his previous club. Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked talks 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. Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him. However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games. His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages. However, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable. His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top is two separate five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good 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 fan favourite at his previous club. Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked talks 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. Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."