🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him. Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest attacker in England after netting seven goals in six consecutive games. His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages. But, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive. His six-match scoring run puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top is two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Hot Streak? Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club. Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked discussions of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him. Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest attacker in England after netting seven goals in six consecutive games. His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages. But, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive. His six-match scoring run puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top is two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Hot Streak? Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club. Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked discussions of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."