🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. But, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages. But, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable. His six-game scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top stands at two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team. Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited conversations of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. But, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages. But, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable. His six-game scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top stands at two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team. Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited conversations of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."