Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup
Only one goal in his first ten English top division games this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.
But, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.
His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.
An Impressive Return to Form
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.
However, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.
His six-match scoring run sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Purple Patch?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.
Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.
International Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited talks of an England return.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.
Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.
"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."