🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. But, a mere four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games. His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive Revival 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 setbacks in its final stages. Yet, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive. His six-match scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest is two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club. Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced 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 backed myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled talks of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship. Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said. "He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. But, a mere four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games. His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive Revival 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 setbacks in its final stages. Yet, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive. His six-match scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest is two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club. Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced 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 backed myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled talks of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship. Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said. "He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."