Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad
A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.
Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.
His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
An Impressive Revival
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.
However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.
His six-match scoring sequence 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 did not achieve a run this long - his top remains two separate five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Purple Patch?
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.
Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.
International Question
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked talks of an England call-up.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.
Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.
"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."
Fierce Competition
However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.
"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.
"I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."