Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring run sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."