🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. But, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games. His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages. But, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive. His six-game scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest remains two individual five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly. "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 nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club. Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic 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 persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited discussions of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Competition However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. But, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games. His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages. But, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive. His six-game scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest remains two individual five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly. "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 nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club. Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic 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 persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited discussions of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Competition However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."