🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him. Yet, a just four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages. However, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable. His six-game scoring streak places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best remains two individual five-match runs. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club. Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take. "I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him. Yet, a just four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages. However, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable. His six-game scoring streak places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best remains two individual five-match runs. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club. Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take. "I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."