Dominic Calvert-Lewin: A Striker on the Rise
Calvert-Lewin’s Impressive Resurgence
After a rocky start to the current Premier League season, where he netted just once in his first ten appearances, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has transformed into one of the most talked-about strikers in English football. In a remarkable turnaround, he has scored seven goals in six matches, culminating in his latest strike during a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, bringing his total to eight for the season. This scoring spree positions him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League, and the footballing community is taking notice.
The 28-year-old forward joined Leeds United on a free transfer after a successful nine-year stint with Everton, which was marred by injuries that hindered his final seasons at the club. His recent performance under coach Daniel Farke’s new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system showcases his adaptability and skill.
Elite Company in Scoring Streak
Calvert-Lewin’s six-game scoring streak places him among an elite group of English players. He is now one of only eleven to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches, a feat that even England captain Harry Kane could not achieve during his career. Kane’s longest streak stands at two separate five-match runs, while Calvert-Lewin’s accomplishment calls to mind Jamie Vardy’s remarkable eight-match scoring spree in 2019.
As conversations about the upcoming World Cup heat up, questions arise about Calvert-Lewin’s potential inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad. His current form could make a strong case for his return to international duty.
The Key to His Success
What has sparked this resurgence in Calvert-Lewin’s performance? Sunderland’s manager, Regis Le Bris, highlighted his perfect timing and strategic positioning in the box, which has made him a constant threat. A recent goal exemplified this, as Calvert-Lewin turned in a low cross after a fluid team move that involved all eleven Leeds players. This kind of instinct is reminiscent of his time at Everton, where he established himself as a fan favorite with his knack for finding the net.
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy noted that Leeds’ tactical shift to a 3-5-2 formation has allowed for more players in the box, creating space for Calvert-Lewin. He emphasized that the team is now playing to his strengths, delivering early crosses to maximize his scoring opportunities.
However, despite his current form, there are still areas for improvement. Calvert-Lewin himself acknowledged that while he is enjoying his scoring run, he has a long way to go to match his best season, where he scored 21 goals during the 2020-21 campaign under Carlo Ancelotti.
Aiming for International Glory
With his resurgence comes renewed hope for an England recall. Calvert-Lewin has not donned the national jersey since Euro 2020, but his recent performances have reignited discussions about his place on the squad. Murphy believes that if Calvert-Lewin maintains his current level of fitness and form, he could very well secure a spot in the squad heading into the World Cup.
The competition, however, is fierce. Strikers like Danny Welbeck and Marcus Rashford are also performing well, while Ollie Watkins has been particularly impressive, scoring crucial goals for Aston Villa. Murphy noted that while Calvert-Lewin has proven himself at the international level, Watkins’ speed and recent impactful performances could give him the edge.
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes the England squad may depend on Tuchel’s strategy regarding the number of strikers he intends to include. As the footballing world watches closely, Calvert-Lewin’s journey serves as a testament to resilience, skill, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the beautiful game.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research