Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final 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 run puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

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 surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

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

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."