🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him. But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games. His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages. However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable. His six-game scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship. Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Intense Competition However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him. But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games. His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages. However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable. His six-game scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship. Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Intense Competition However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."