Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup
A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.
However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest forward in England following bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.
His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Stunning Revival
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 fitness issues in its latter stages.
But, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.
His six-match scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best stands at 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 streak for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Purple Patch?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.
Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."
His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.
World Cup Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked talks of an England recall.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.
Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Fierce Rivalry
But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.
"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."