đź”— Share this article Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad Only one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest striker in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games. His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages. However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable. His six-game scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive 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 separate five-match runs. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club. Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited conversations of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Rivalry But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Only one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest striker in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games. His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages. However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable. His six-game scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive 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 separate five-match runs. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club. Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited conversations of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Rivalry But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."