🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. But, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games. His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages. But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive. His six-match scoring sequence sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest is two separate 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 spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club. Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited conversations of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Ultimately, 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 depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. But, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games. His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages. But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive. His six-match scoring sequence sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest is two separate 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 spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club. Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited conversations of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Ultimately, 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 depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."