đź”— Share this article Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed striker in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games. His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages. However, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable. His six-match 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 never managed a run lasting this many games - his best remains two distinct five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team. Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited discussions of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship. Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed striker in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games. His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages. However, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable. His six-match 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 never managed a run lasting this many games - his best remains two distinct five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team. Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited discussions of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship. Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."