Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup
Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.
But, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games.
His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.
A Remarkable 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 hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.
But, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.
His six-game scoring sequence sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best remains two separate 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 run for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Hot Streak?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.
Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."
His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.
International Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited talks of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.
Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.
"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Stiff Rivalry
Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.
"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.
"I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."