🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games. His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages. Yet, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable. His six-game scoring run sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team. Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled discussions of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one remarked. "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 supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." Finally, 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 pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games. His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages. Yet, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable. His six-game scoring run sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team. Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled discussions of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one remarked. "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 supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." Finally, 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 pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."