🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. Yet, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games. His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Remarkable Return to Form The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages. But, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring run places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest is two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Purple Patch? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team. Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled discussions of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship. Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Competition But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. Yet, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games. His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Remarkable Return to Form The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages. But, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring run places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest is two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Purple Patch? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team. Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled discussions of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship. Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Competition But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."