Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad
A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.
However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games.
His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.
An Impressive Resurgence
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.
However, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.
His six-game scoring run puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Hot Streak?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.
"He has the impeccable 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 timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.
Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."
His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.
International Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked talks of an England call-up.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.
Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Fierce Competition
Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.
"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."