🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him. However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages. However, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable. His six-match scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club. Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. International Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited talks of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him. However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages. However, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable. His six-match scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club. Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. International Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited talks of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."