Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup
A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.
But, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.
His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.
A Remarkable Return to Form
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.
However, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.
His six-match scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Hot Streak?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.
Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."
His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.
International Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled conversations of an England recall.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.
Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.
"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.
"I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."