Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad
A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.
However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England following scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.
His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.
An Impressive Resurgence
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.
But, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.
His six-game scoring streak puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top remains two separate five-match streaks.
And the sole 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?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult 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 excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.
Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite 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 challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."
His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.
World Cup Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited conversations of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.
Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "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 incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.
"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."