🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. However, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages. However, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive. His six-match scoring run puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical 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 hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled talks of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain 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 conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said. "He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. However, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages. However, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive. His six-match scoring run puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical 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 hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled talks of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain 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 conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said. "He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."