🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages. But, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable. His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best remains two distinct five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory 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 this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team. Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions 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 long time," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages. But, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable. His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best remains two distinct five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory 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 this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team. Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions 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 long time," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."