Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks later, he is the most talked-about forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

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

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided 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 textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled talks of an England call-up.

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

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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