🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. However, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed striker in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games. His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages. Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring run sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest is two separate five-match runs. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to 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 intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club. Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship. Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. However, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed striker in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games. His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages. Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring run sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest is two separate five-match runs. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to 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 intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club. Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship. Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."