đź”— Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup Only one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. But, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after netting seven goals in six straight games. His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages. Yet, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive. His six-game scoring streak places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club. Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish 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 now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. International Question Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled discussions of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship. Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Only one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. But, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after netting seven goals in six straight games. His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages. Yet, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive. His six-game scoring streak places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club. Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish 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 now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. International Question Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled discussions of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship. Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."