🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. But, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games. His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages. However, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable. 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 outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks. 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 Secret to the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club. Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick 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 character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled conversations of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for 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 keep up this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Intense Competition But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." 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 depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. But, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games. His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages. However, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable. 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 outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks. 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 Secret to the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club. Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick 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 character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled conversations of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for 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 keep up this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Intense Competition But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." 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 depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."