Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a only four weeks on, he is the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-game scoring run puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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