Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed forward in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

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 marred by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."