Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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.

But, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

His six-game scoring run sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."