đź”— Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. However, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games. His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages. However, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive. His six-game scoring sequence puts him in exclusive 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 did not achieve a run this long - his top is two separate five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team. Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled talks of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Analysts feel 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 commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Intense Competition Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. However, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games. His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages. However, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive. His six-game scoring sequence puts him in exclusive 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 did not achieve a run this long - his top is two separate five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team. Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled talks of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Analysts feel 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 commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Intense Competition Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."