🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. Yet, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games. His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages. However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive. His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Purple Patch? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club. Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've endured 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 here I am now." His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked conversations of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "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 decisive impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. Yet, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games. His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages. However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive. His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Purple Patch? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club. Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've endured 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 here I am now." His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked conversations of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "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 decisive impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."