🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. However, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages. But, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring run places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top remains two individual five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club. Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked talks of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship. Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. However, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages. But, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring run places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top remains two individual five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club. Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked talks of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship. Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."