🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. However, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games. His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages. However, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable. His six-game scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent 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 turned him into a popular figure at his previous club. Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space. "He is a classic 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 endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled talks of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Intense Competition But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the selection race, 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 stated. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. However, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games. His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages. However, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable. His six-game scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent 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 turned him into a popular figure at his previous club. Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space. "He is a classic 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 endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled talks of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Intense Competition But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the selection race, 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 stated. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."