Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad
A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.
However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.
An Impressive Revival
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.
But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.
His six-match scoring run puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Purple Patch?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his former team.
Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."
His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.
The England Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England return.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played 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 sustain this level.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Fierce Competition
However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.
"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.
"I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."