Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup
A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.
But, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.
His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.
An Impressive Resurgence
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.
But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.
His six-game scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is two distinct five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Hot Streak?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.
Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."
His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.
The England Question
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled talks of an England return.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.
Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Fierce Rivalry
Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.
"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."
Ultimately, 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 depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."