Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad
Just one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.
But, a just four weeks later, he is the hottest attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.
His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
An Impressive Revival
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.
But, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.
His six-match scoring streak puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Scoring Form?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.
Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."
His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.
The England Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled conversations of an England return.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.
Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Fierce Rivalry
However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.
"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
