Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad
A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.
However, a only four weeks later, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Remarkable Revival
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.
Yet, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.
His six-game scoring streak places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Purple Patch?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.
Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.
World Cup Question
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled talks of an England return.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.
Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.
"He also has 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 might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.
"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
