Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad
Just one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.
But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England following netting seven goals in 6 straight games.
His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
A Remarkable Revival
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.
But, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.
His six-game scoring streak sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top is two distinct five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to outdo 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 Scoring Form?
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.
Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.
"He is a archetypal 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 downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."
His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.
World Cup Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited talks of an England return.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.
Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.
"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.
"I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."