Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best is two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to 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 concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."