🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games. His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive Revival The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries 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 sequence puts 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 longest is two distinct five-match runs. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Scoring Form? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club. Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space. "He is a archetypal 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 been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked conversations of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games. His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive Revival The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries 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 sequence puts 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 longest is two distinct five-match runs. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Scoring Form? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club. Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space. "He is a archetypal 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 been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked conversations of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."