🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. However, a only four weeks later, he is the most discussed striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games. His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages. But, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable. His six-game scoring run places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best remains two separate five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better 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 Hot Streak? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the perfect 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 nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team. Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. However, a only four weeks later, he is the most discussed striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games. His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages. But, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable. His six-game scoring run places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best remains two separate five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better 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 Hot Streak? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the perfect 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 nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team. Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."