🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him. Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games. His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable 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 blighted by injuries in its final stages. But, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable. His six-match scoring run places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team. Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling 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 archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled discussions of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him. Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games. His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable 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 blighted by injuries in its final stages. But, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable. His six-match scoring run places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team. Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling 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 archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled discussions of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."