Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad
Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.
However, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six straight games.
His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Stunning 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 closing stages.
But, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.
His six-match scoring run puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best is two individual five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Hot Streak?
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.
Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."
His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.
The England Question
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked discussions of an England recall.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.
Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.
"He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."