Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

"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 Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."