🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games. His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages. However, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive. His six-game scoring sequence places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest is 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 spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club. Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled talks of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games. His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages. However, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive. His six-game scoring sequence places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest is 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 spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club. Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled talks of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."