Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading 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 stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring run puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed 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 persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Pundits think 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 said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."