π Share this article Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest attacker in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages. But, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team. Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous 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 in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest attacker in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages. But, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team. Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous 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 in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."