Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup
A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.
Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England after scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.
His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.
A Remarkable Resurgence
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.
But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.
His six-game scoring streak puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best is two individual five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Purple Patch?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class 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 popular figure at his former team.
Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given 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 textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."
His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.
International Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited talks of an England return.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.
Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.
"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.
"I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."