🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six straight games. His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages. However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club. Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy 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 exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited conversations of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Competition Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six straight games. His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages. However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club. Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy 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 exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited conversations of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Competition Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."