Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup
Only one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.
However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.
His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
A Remarkable Revival
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.
However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.
His six-game scoring sequence puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Scoring Form?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.
Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely 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 test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."
His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.
International Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked discussions of an England call-up.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.
Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.
"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Stiff Rivalry
But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.
"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."